Confirmed: Raphinha suffers hamstring injury as Brazil announce intensive treatment plan

A major setback has struck both Raphinha and Brazil. Just as the FC Barcelona winger appeared to be rediscovering his best form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, injury has struck once again.

The 29-year-old was forced off during the first half of Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Haiti at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in the second round of Group C matches. Brazil top the group, but the win came at a heavy cost.

Raphinha left the pitch close to the 40th minute, visibly concerned and accompanied by Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.

Brazil confirm injury

While the rest of the squad carried out recovery work on Saturday, Raphinha travelled to a medical centre in New Jersey for further scans.

Out with a hamstring injury. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) later released an official statement confirming the injury.

“Raphinha underwent an imaging scan on Saturday which confirmed a muscle injury to the back of his right thigh,” the statement read (via SPORT).

“The player will follow an intensive treatment programme, under the supervision of the Brazilian national team’s medical staff, with the aim of speeding up his recovery and his return to action as soon as possible.”

The statement did not specify the grade of the injury or whether there is a tear, but crucially Raphinha has not been ruled out of the tournament altogether, despite some reports suggesting otherwise.

Which matches will Raphinha miss?

Raphinha is certain to miss Brazil’s final group-stage match against Scotland, scheduled for 24 June. His participation beyond that remains uncertain.

Should Brazil advance deep into the competition, there is hope that the Barcelona forward could recover in time for the knockout rounds.

Raphinha suffered the injury against Haiti. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

The Brazilian medical staff are expected to push for his return if the Seleçao remain alive in the tournament.

Another injury nightmare

The latest setback is yet another chapter in a frustrating campaign for Raphinha. Although he won two trophies with Barcelona, repeated muscle problems in his right thigh have plagued his season, causing him to spend nearly four months on the sidelines.

The consequences have been significant. Whereas he made 57 appearances and accumulated 4,661 minutes in his Ballon d’Or-calibre campaign in 2024/25, this past season he has managed only 33 matches and 2,194 minutes.

Worryingly, Raphinha’s last two injuries have both occurred while representing Brazil.

Back in March, he suffered a biceps femoris tear during a friendly against France in Boston. Barcelona’s medical staff predicted a five-week absence, which proved accurate.

He missed the crucial final stretch of the season with Barcelona, including the Champions League quarter-finals and the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Now another injury threatens to derail his World Cup campaign.