Why isn’t Raphinha playing for Brazil vs. Bolivia in the last CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier?

After drawing attention during the international break, Raphinha has been left out of Brazil’s starting lineup against Bolivia in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers.

Brazil travel to the high altitude of El Alto to face Bolivia in their final match of the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, with their ticket to the tournament already secured. For the Selecão’s last competitive game of 2025, the most notable absence from the starting lineup was Raphinha, who began the match on the bench.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s decision regarding Raphinha sparked discussion, particularly among Barcelona fans, especially after no Real Madrid players were included in this call-up for Brazil. The winger started in Thursday’s 3-0 win over Chile, so his omission against Bolivia came as a surprise.

Ancelotti opted to rest Raphinha against Bolivia, given the team’s qualification is already assured. After logging 79 minutes versus Chile, the Italian coach chose to rotate his squad, with Lucas Paquetá taking Raphinha’s spot in the attacking midfield role behind the striker.

In his Monday press conference, Ancelotti explained the need for adjustments: “We are going to change not only the strategy but also some players. It will be a different approach. We have to play differently than we did against Chile, which was a game of high intensity and pressure, and that can’t be done at altitude.”

The coach also underlined the challenges of Bolivia’s elevation, something entirely new to him. “It may be a new experience for me, but Brazil has already played many matches there, and we have many people with that experience, including players, doctors, and physiotherapists. I have to trust people who have more information than I do,” he added.

*Developing story…