Raphinha returns to Brazil training ahead of Norway showdown in World Cup last 16
By Joel Masibo, July 4, 2026Influential forward Raphael Dias Belloli, also known as Raphinha resumed training with Brazil’s World Cup squad on Friday, July 3, 2026, as he continues his recovery from a hamstring strain.
The Barcelona forward has not played since sustaining the injury in the first half of Brazil’s 3-0 group-stage win over Haiti on June 19, 2026.
Brazil opened the first 15 minutes of Friday’s training session to the media and the 29-year-old warmed up normally before taking part in ball drills.
Despite his progress, Raphinha is not expected to start in Brazil’s round-of-16 clash against Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, Juky 5, 2026.
The winner of the match will play either Mexico or England in the quarterfinals on July 11.
Brazil advances
Record champions Brazil advanced to the next stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after overcoming Japan in a stoppage-time thriller on Monday, June 29, 2026.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli delivered the death knell in stoppage time to send Brazil through to the next round.
Japan battled valiantly and got things started by sending a scare to thousands of Brazil fans with a 29th-minute goal from Kaishu Sano after he stole a misplaced pass in midfield before his right-footed shot from above the half-circle put Japan ahead.
Second-half action
Brazil relentlessly attacked in the second half, equalising in the 56th minute through a well-lodged header from outgoing Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, doing the honours off inch-perfect service from Gabriel Magalhaes.
Vinicius Junior would have given Brazil a lead just minutes later instead, but goalkeeper Zion Suzuki’s fingertips sent the ball off the post.
The Seleção smelt blood, and Japan succumbed for good in the final moments as Bruno Guimaraes found Martinelli, who beat Suzuki to send the Brazil bench into a frenzy.
Brazil had two chances to even the score early in the second half. First, Suzuki blocked a header from Bruno Guimaraes in the 52nd minute.
Before kickoff, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had called for “mind, heart and clarity”. True to his words, Brazil required every bit of all three to come back against the Samurai Blue.