A sad blow for Brazil.. The nature of Rafinha’s injury has been officially revealed

Brazil have been dealt a painful blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup, after the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that Barcelona star Rafinha has suffered a torn right hamstring, an injury that could rule him out of the tournament and deprive the Seleção of one of their most prominent attacking weapons in Junior Vinicic.

According to an official statement released by the Brazilian federation, Rafinha underwent a careful examination at the New Jersey Medical Center on Saturday, which confirmed that he suffered a muscle tear in the back of his right thigh. He will undergo an intensive treatment program under the supervision of the Brazilian team’s medical staff, with the aim of speeding up his recovery and returning to the field as soon as possible.

In its brief statement, the federation did not say whether there was a full or partial tear and, if so, how serious it was, but confirmed that Rafinha will not be available for Wednesday night’s Brazil-Scotland match, which concludes manager Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s group stage matches.

The injury occurred in the first half of Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in the second round of Group C, which currently leads the Seleção.

Rafinha left the field in frustration in the 38th minute, accompanied by Brazil’s doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, after suffering a severe right hamstring pain that he suffered with Barcelona last season.

“I felt something strong and I felt fear,” Rafinha told his teammates after being replaced by Ryan, according to Brazilian commentator Gustavo Machado, a contributor to CazéTV, in an expression that reflected his deep concern about repeating the nightmare he endured last season.