Brazil have been dealt a potentially significant setback after confirming that forward Raphinha sustained a muscle injury during their 3-0 World Cup victory against Haiti.
Brazil have confirmed that Raphinha suffered a hamstring muscle injury during the victory over Haiti at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Barcelona forward will undergo intensive treatment, with his availability for the remainder of the tournament still uncertain.
The Barcelona winger was forced off during the first half in Philadelphia after appearing to suffer discomfort in his right leg. Brazil's medical staff have now confirmed the initial concerns following their examinations.
In an official statement, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) revealed that scans identified a muscle injury in the posterior region of Raphinha's right thigh, and the player has since begun an intensive rehabilitation programme.
"On Saturday, athlete Raphinha underwent an imaging exam that confirmed a muscle injury in the posterior region of his right thigh," the CBF said in a statement as relayed by Yahoo Sports.
"The player will follow an intensive treatment protocol, monitored by the Brazilian National Team's medical team, aiming for his recovery and return to activities as quickly as possible."
![Raphinha raced clear again but chipped narrowly wide after Johny Placide's aggressive positioning forced him wide [Reuters] ](https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/17ce679f-c0b9-4693-9bcf-3407f452c2d9.jpeg)
Raphinha raced clear again but chipped narrowly wide after Johny Placide's aggressive positioning forced him wide [Reuters] The injury comes at a frustrating time for both player and country. Raphinha had started brightly against Haiti and thought he had opened the scoring early in the contest before seeing his effort ruled out for offside. However, he had to leave the pitch after receiving treatment and was eventually replaced by AFC Bournemouth youngster Rayan.
According to reports from Spanish outlet AS, the injury is expected to keep Raphinha out of Brazil's final Group C fixture against Scotland. While the setback has cast doubt over his participation in the latter stages of the tournament, there is currently no indication that he will be withdrawn from Carlo Ancelotti's squad.
The report adds that Brazil remain hopeful the winger can recover in time should the Seleção progress deep into the competition.
The latest development is particularly concerning given Raphinha's recent injury history. The 28-year-old previously suffered a hamstring problem while playing for Barcelona earlier this year, an issue that sidelined him for approximately a month before his return to action.
Brazil have already been carefully managing fitness concerns elsewhere in the squad. Neymar missed the opening two World Cup matches while recovering from a calf injury, although head coach Carlo Ancelotti recently indicated that the forward is expected to be available for the clash with Scotland.
Despite Raphinha's departure against Haiti, Brazil produced their most convincing display of the tournament so far. Matheus Cunha scored twice and Vinicius Junior delivered a goal and an assist as the five-time world champions secured a 3-0 victory to move top of Group C.
Attention will now turn to Raphinha's recovery timeline. While Brazil remain optimistic that the injury is not tournament-ending, the coming days are likely to determine whether one of their most influential attacking players can play a further part in their pursuit of a sixth World Cup crown.
For now, Brazil's medical staff are working hard to restore the Barcelona star to full fitness before the knockout rounds begin.
