Raphinha back in training with Brazil as 2026 World Cup return date revealed | OneFootball

Over the last few weeks, there has been continued speculation surrounding Raphinha’s future as a Barcelona player. However, the 29-year-old himself has tried to distance himself from everything while he tries to get fit to play some part for Brazil during the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup.

During Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Haiti in the group stage two weeks ago, Raphinha was forced off with a hamstring injury, and while many feared that his World Cup would be over, he still has chances to be involved. He won’t face Norway in the round of 16, but were the Selecao to progress, there is every chance that he would be able to return to action in North America.

As per MD, Raphinha has returned to group training with Brazil. He was involved in Friday’s session without any problems, and should his recovery continue on this path, he would be passed fit for a prospective quarter-final tie against tournament co-hosts Mexico or England.

Since pulling up against Haiti, Raphinha has been undergoing “intensive treatment” to ensure that he can still play a part for Brazil at the World Cup. He requires his teammates to see off Norway to have any chance, but were they to do so, he would almost certainly be able to add to his two appearances in North America.

From a Barcelona perspective, it is not ideal that Raphinha would be risked in the event that Brazil progress deep into the World Cup, although there will be an understanding given the tournament’s important to their player and the five-time winners. They will desperately hope that any further issues are avoided, as the last thing they need is for a relapse to happen, which would likely rule him out of the start of the new 2026-27 La Liga season.