Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti apologised to Joao Pedro after leaving the Chelsea forward out of his World Cup squad and instead selecting Neymar.
Pedro was this morning named Chelsea’s Player of the Year but that will do little to raise his spirits after finding out last night he would not be going to the summer showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 24-year-old has scored 20 goals in all competitions in his debut season at Stamford Bridge and been one of the few positives in a difficult season for the West London club.
Pedro has not scored for the Selecao in eight national team appearances, however, a record that seemed to sway Ancelotti to turn to Neymar despite doubts around his fitness.
Questioned on the decision, Ancelotti said: “I understand people say European football is different, more intense. We also talk about how playing football here [in Brazil] is very complicated.
“There’s the schedule, the travel, the heat. It’s difficult to compare. Then there are the individual characteristics of the players. We feel sorry for João Pedro because, based on the season he had in Europe, he deserved to be on this list.
“But with full awareness, respect, and competence, we chose other players. We feel very sorry for João Pedro, just like for all the others.”
Ancelotti convinced Neymar is fit and can be a difference-maker for Brazil
Neymar has not played for the Selecao since tearing an ACL in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on October 17, 2023.
The 34-year-old, who remains Brazil’s record scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, has struggled to regain full fitness ever since but has played well for Santos in 2026, scoring six goals and providing two assists.
“We evaluated Neymar throughout the year, and we saw that in this last period he played consistently and improved his physical condition,” said Ancelotti. “We think he is an important player, and he will be an important player in this World Cup.
“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 World 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.
“He has the same role and obligation as the other 25. He has the possibility of playing, of not playing, of being on the bench, of coming on as a substitute; he will have the same possibilities as the others.”
We want to win the World Cup, says bullish Ancelotti
Richarlison was also left out, as was Newcastle midfielder Joelinton, as Brazil chase a sixth World Cup crown.
Their squad looks short on quality when compared to the likes of Spain, France and Argentina but Ancelotti is hoping a strong mentality can make up for those shortfalls.
He added: “I’m not afraid to say that we want to win the World Cup, because expectations are high. We will have a squad capable of developing quality football, with collective spirit and quality.
“It is not a perfect squad, I’m sure of that. I have to say that the team that wins the World Cup will not be a perfect team – a perfect team does not exist.
“The most resilient team can win. We want to be the most resilient team in the world.”
Brazil were drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.
Brazil squad in full
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma)
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)
Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).
