Where is Neymar? Why Brazil star is on World Cup bench with Raphinha and not playing from start

Where is Neymar? Why Brazil star is on World Cup bench with Raphinha and not playing from start originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Neymar is there, on Brazil’s bench.

So too is Raphinha, another standout attacker for the Brazilian national team’s roster at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The problem continues to be that neither of them are on the pitch.

Neymar is the bigger name.

Raphinha is the guy who probably matters more now to Brazil’s success.

When Brazil takes on Norway in the Round of 16 on Sunday, though, both begin on the bench.

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Why isn’t Neymar playing today?

Neymar, 34, has been in decline in recent years, and injuries have also caused problems.

He brought a right calf injury to the World Cup, which he’s been trying to build back up from.

His fitness is still a question mark, though.

The injury troubles and Neymar’s form made it a bit of a surprise that he was even chosen for Brazil’s World Cup roster in the first place.

Neymar has appeared off the bench in this tournament, and if he’s going to play again, that’ll probably be the method.

Why isn’t Raphinha playing?

Making matters worse for Brazil is that Raphinha is still hurting.

The Barcelona star is recovering from a right hamstring strain in the group stage against Haiti.

He has yet to return to World Cup action but is conceptually available to play Norway.

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