Brazil will be without two key attacking midfielders when they face Norway in their next FIFA World Cup 2026 match. Both Raphinha and Lucas Paquetá have been ruled out, forcing coach Dorival Júnior to make changes to his starting XI.
The absences come at a crucial time as Brazil looks to secure a strong position in the group stage. Raphinha had been in good form on the right flank, while Paquetá provided creativity and balance in midfield. Their unavailability is a significant blow to Brazil’s attacking options.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star forward Neymar is finally fit enough to feature for a full 90 minutes at the World Cup.
Brazil vs Norway Injury Update
Raphinha is sidelined with a muscle injury sustained during training, while Lucas Paquetá has been ruled out due to a minor knock. Neither player is expected to feature, and the Brazilian camp has confirmed they will not risk them for this match.
Dorival Júnior now has to find alternatives on the right wing and in central midfield. The coach is expected to turn to players who have been performing well in recent friendlies and domestic leagues.
Brazil Predicted Lineup vs Norway
Here is Brazil’s predicted lineup in a 4-3-3 formation:
- Goalkeeper: Alisson
- Defenders: Danillo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos
- Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro
- Attacking midfielders: Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior
- Forward: Endrick or Neymar
>> Brazil World Cup 2026 Squad of 26 Players
Neymar can play 90 minutes… and he can play with Vinicius Jr”.
Carlo Ancelotti: “
“I think they WILL play together”.
Key Changes and Tactical Impact
With Raphinha out, Rodrygo is expected to start on the right wing. The Real Madrid forward offers good dribbling ability and can cut inside to create chances.
In midfield, Joelinton is likely to come in for Paquetá. The Newcastle United player brings physicality and defensive work rate, which could help Brazil control the game against a hardworking Norway side.
Brazil are expected to dominate possession and rely on the pace and skill of Vinicius Junior and Endrick up front. The team will likely look to play quick, vertical football and exploit spaces behind Norway’s defense.
Norway Predicted Lineup vs Brazil
- Goalkeeper: Orjan Nyland
- Defenders: Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, David Moller Wolfe
- Midfielders: Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, Martin Odegaard
- Forwards: Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa
>> Norway World Cup 2026 Squad of 26 Players
What to Expect from the Match
Norway have shown they can be dangerous on the counter-attack, especially with players like Erling Haaland leading the line. Brazil will need to be disciplined defensively while maintaining their attacking threat.
Dorival Júnior has stressed the importance of maintaining intensity despite the absences. The coach is confident that the squad has enough depth to cope with these setbacks.
Brazil are still considered favorites, but they will need to be clinical in front of goal. The team has shown vulnerability in transitions in recent matches, and Norway could punish any lapses in concentration.
Prediction
Brazil are expected to win, but the margin may be narrower than usual due to the missing players. A 2-1 victory looks like a realistic outcome if Brazil can control the midfield and create enough chances through Vinicius and Endrick.
The result will be important for Brazil’s momentum heading into the later stages of the group. Dorival Júnior will be keen to see how his adjusted lineup performs under pressure.
Has Norway ever lost to Brazil in World Cup matches?
No, Norway has never lost to Brazil in their four total meetings. In fact, Brazil has failed to beat Norway in any of their international competitions, with the record standing at two wins for Norway and two draws.
