Brazil remain without Raphinha as they meet Japan today for a place in the last 16 at the World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side face a tricky test as they embark on their first knockout tie of the summer. They came through the group stage largely without issue but failed to dazzle in doing so, drawing with Morocco before producing routine defeats of Haiti and Scotland.
The Selecao also sustained a considerable injury worry en route to the round of 32, with Raphinha picking up a hamstring issue against Haiti which potentially threatens to curtail his tournament early.
The Barcelona star has remained with the Brazil squad to recover and vowed to return before the end of the World Cup, but is not expected to do so until the round of 16 at the absolute earliest - if his team make it that far.
"I will do everything within my power to recover and return as soon as possible,” Raphinha wrote on Instagram. ”I want to be alongside my team-mates, fight for our goals, and keep giving everything I have to honour this shirt and bring joy to the Brazilian fans. I'm staying strong."
The fit-again Neymar is an option on the wing, but Bournemouth’s Rayan is the most likely pick to stand in for Raphinha again here. He got the nod against Scotland, and assisted one of Vinicius Jr’s two goals. Matheus Cunha has proven effective through the middle and should keep his place.
Elsewhere, few changes are expected. Alisson is a mainstay in goal, and the only question to be asked of the back four is whether Douglas Santos will cede his place to Alex Sandro.
Ancelotti has little cause to rotate his midfield, either. Bruno Guimaraes recorded a brace of assists last time out, while Lucas Paqueta and Casemiro have also impressed.
Predicted Brazil XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Casemiro, Guimaraes, Paqueta; Vinicius Jr, Cunha, Rayan
Injured: Raphinha (hamstring)
Time and date: 6pm BST on Monday June 29, 2026
Venue: Houston Stadium
How to watch: ITV1
