Brazilian football receives a magnificent news with the return of Raphinha to the national team. The FC Barcelona winger, who missed the last match due to suspension, is back in the squad under Carlo Ancelotti for the crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying match against Paraguay, to be held at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo.
In the pre-match press conference, Ancelotti did not hold back in praising the player, stating that “Raphinha is one of the best footballers in the world right now”. The Italian coach, who has had to deal with the Brazilian's quality from the Real Madrid bench, emphasized the importance of his presence in the team: “His return is good news for us, as he has proven to be crucial in the last season”.
Raphinha, who was awarded LaLiga's best player for the 2024-2025 season, has made a notable impact at Barça, scoring 34 goals and providing 25 assists across all competitions. His ability to change games and his offensive mobility make him a key piece for the Canarinha.
The forward, who has been instrumental in Barcelona's success, where he won the League, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España, presents himself as a key to unlock the match against Paraguay. Ancelotti is confident that his return will be decisive in securing World Cup qualification, as Brazil and Paraguay find themselves in a situation where a victory could guarantee their ticket to the World Cup.
The match, taking place in the early hours of Tuesday to Wednesday, will not only mark Raphinha's return but also be Ancelotti's debut as the Brazilian national team's coach at home. Fans eagerly await to see how the talent of the Barça player can influence the team's performance in this crucial encounter.
With Raphinha back, Brazil feels stronger and ready to face Paraguay. The Barça fans, for their part, celebrate that their star continues to shine on the international stage, reaffirming his status as one of the greats in world football.