Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he 'feels very sorry' for Joao Pedro after surprisingly omitting the Chelsea striker from Brazil's squad for the upcoming World Cup. The 24-year-old enjoyed a stellar debut season with the Blues, netting 15 Premier League goals and 20 across all competitions, with only Erling Haaland, Igor Thiago, and Antoine Semenyo scoring more in the league. He also provided five assists in the top flight.
Pedro has earned eight caps for Brazil, two of which came under Ancelotti this year. However, he failed to make the cut for the Italian's World Cup squad, with 34-year-old Santos forward Neymar among those selected. Ancelotti acknowledged Pedro's merits, stating: 'Of course, we are sad for Joao Pedro. For the season he had in Europe, he probably deserved to be on this list, but unfortunately, with all possible awareness and respect, we chose another player. I feel very sorry for Joao Pedro and all the others.'
Neymar's Return and Ancelotti's Reasoning
Neymar makes a return to the Brazil squad despite not playing for his country since 2023. Explaining the decision, Ancelotti said: 'We evaluated Neymar throughout the year, and we saw that in this last period he played consistently and improved his physical condition. We think he is an important player, and he will be an important player in this World Cup.'
The 66-year-old added: 'The evaluation for the whole year was solely based on the physical aspect, we talked about that. It was physical. In the last games, he played consistently. He may have the possibility of improving his physical condition before the first game of the Cup. He has that opportunity. In addition, his experience in this type of competition, and the affection he has for the group, creating a better environment within the group, helping the team, are all important factors.'
Ancelotti on Squad Selection and Experience
Ancelotti emphasised that Neymar has the same role and obligations as the other 25 players, with the possibility of playing, being on the bench, or coming on as a substitute. He noted that experience was a key factor in some positions, such as goalkeeper, where they prioritised it, calling up Weverton from Gremio. 'Experienced players that we don't need to treat, but whose value we know in this type of competition, they are used to it,' he said.
Ancelotti expressed regret for other omissions, including Bento and Hugo Souza, but assured that young players like Andrey Santos and Joao Pedro will have opportunities for the next World Cup. 'I'm sorry that others aren't here, like Bento and Hugo Souza. I'm very sorry, it makes me a little sad. But they will have, like other young players who aren't on this list, like Andrey Santos and Joao Pedro, the opportunity to be part of the project for the next World Cup.'
Brazil Squad for 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)
Defenders: Wesley (Roma), Danilo (Flamengo), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Marquinhos (PSG), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo)
Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)
Forwards: Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Endrick (Lyon), Raphinha (Barcelona), Neymar (Santos), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)
