Brazil are expected to be without Raphinha for Sunday's World Cup last-16 tie against Norway, while the fitness of Lucas Paqueta and Casemiro will be monitored ahead of the match.
Injury Concerns and Team Updates
Paqueta was substituted at half-time during the narrow last-32 win over Japan, and goalscorer Casemiro was withdrawn shortly before Gabriel Martinelli fired home the injury-time winner. According to Selecao sources, there is confidence Casemiro will recover in time to face Norway, but Paqueta is a greater doubt. If the former West Ham midfielder is unavailable, Danilo Santos should come into the side.
Predicted Starting XI and Tactics
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is otherwise unlikely to make sweeping changes to the team that secured Brazil's place in the knockout stages. Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha is set to retain his place despite failing to add to his three tournament goals before being replaced after 65 minutes against Japan. That would leave Martinelli, whose goal sealed victory, once again among the substitutes, while teenage forward Endrick is also expected to begin on the bench after a fairly ineffectual cameo against Japan.
Key Players and Golden Boot Race
Much of Brazil's attacking threat will again rest with Vinicius Junior, who has been one of the standout performers at this summer's World Cup. The Real Madrid winger has scored four goals and registered one assist in the tournament so far, as he competes with the likes of Norway star Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot.
Brazil predicted XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo Santos; Rayan, Cunha, Vini Jr.
Time and date: 9pm BST on Sunday, July 5, 2026
How to watch: ITV1
