The good news for Raphinha coming from Brazil

Raphinha has been called up this Saturday by Brazil coach Fernando Diniz for the two 2026 World Cup qualifiers that the 'Canarinha' will play in the October FIFA dates: Thursday 12 against Venezuela (at the Arena Pantanal, in Cuiaba), and Tuesday 17 against Uruguay (at the Centenario stadium, in Montevideo).

This is the second consecutive call-up of the Blaugrana winger for the Seleçao after the World Cup in Qatar (where he was a starter with Tite) and coincides with the start of Diniz's work. His return to the 'Canarinha' was this month and came as a rebound, because 'Rapha' was called up at the last minute to make up for the absence of Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr, who had suffered a muscular injury.

And Raphinha repaid Diniz's trust with two great games. In the 'manita' against Bolivia (5-1) he scored a goal, gave an assist and played an active part in scoring a third goal. And then in the hard-fought 1-0 win over Peru in Lima, he was one of Brazil's most outstanding internationals.

The Gaucho striker has first-choice status in Brazil. Without Antony, who is still sidelined from the 'Canarinha' and United due to accusations of domestic violence against his ex-partner being investigated by the Sao Paulo Civil Police, the direct competition for the Blaugrana is Rodrygo, who will return to the right with the return of his teammate Vinicius.

Diniz, who in principle will be coach only until July when he will be replaced by Carlo Ancelotti, opted for continuity and the same block of players he had under his orders in his debut.

Neymar Jr. will continue to lead a Seleçao that will face six 2026 World Cup qualifiers before 2026 expires. "I want him to be the best Neymar possible, to write his most beautiful pages in football. It takes a lot for a player like him to be born and we have to make the most of him. The Seleçao has been his home since 2010 and he will continue to do so," said the coach.

BRAZIL'S NEW SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool); Ederson (Manchester City) and Lucas Perri (Botafogo).

Full-backs: Danilo (Juventus), Vanderson (Monaco), Caio Henrique (Monaco) and Renan Lodi (Olympique Marseille).

Centre-backs: Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Marquinhos (PSG) and Nino (Fluminense).

Midfielders: André (Fluminense), Gerson (Flamengo), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United) and Raphael Veiga (Palmeiras).

Forwards: Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), Neymar Jr (Al-Hilal), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Viniícius Junior (Real Madrid) and Richarlison (Tottenham).