Brazil suffered a major blow at the 2026 World Cup when Raphinha was forced off with a hamstring injury during the 3-0 win over Haiti. His wife, Natalia Belloli, has revealed the emotional phone call that followed — ‘He was crying and so was I’ — and for England, watching one of their title rivals lose a key man reshapes the race.
How Raphinha picked up his hamstring injury
Raphinha was forced off in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti after suffering a hamstring injury. The Barcelona forward had been one of the Seleção’s attacking leaders, and his absence forces the head coach to reshape Brazil’s front line.
Brazil’s medical staff are monitoring his recovery day by day. Hamstring strains typically require two to four weeks of rest, putting his involvement in the knockout rounds in doubt.
The emotional call his wife revealed
Natalia Belloli, Raphinha’s wife, shared the player’s reaction after the diagnosis: ‘He was crying and so was I.’ Her words underline just how much a World Cup means to a player at the peak of his career.
The Brazilian is holding on to hope of returning before the tournament ends. Everything will depend on how the injury settles and how far Brazil progress in the coming days.
What it means for England’s title hopes
For Thomas Tuchel’s England, Brazil remain one of the biggest threats to the trophy. A weakened Brazil attack shifts the balance among the favourites and changes the calculation around a potential knockout clash with the Three Lions.
England must stay focused on their own path, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham leading the charge through the group stage. In a 48-team format, managing fitness and momentum will be just as decisive as raw quality.
FAQ
What injury did Raphinha suffer at the 2026 World Cup?
Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti.
Is Raphinha out of the 2026 World Cup?
Not officially. Brazil’s staff are monitoring his recovery and hope to have him back later in the tournament, but his involvement remains uncertain.
How long does a hamstring injury usually take to heal?
Hamstring strains typically take two to four weeks depending on severity, which could rule Raphinha out of the early knockout rounds.
What did Raphinha’s wife say?
Natalia Belloli revealed the emotional phone call after the diagnosis: ‘He was crying and so was I.’
Does this injury help England’s chances?
Indirectly, yes — a weakened Brazil attack reshuffles the favourites and could ease England’s path in a potential knockout meeting.
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