Carlo Ancelotti had 26 spots and more talent than he could fit. Someone was always going to get left out, and this time it was one of the Premier League's standout performers from this past season.
Chelsea forward João Pedro didn't make Brazil's final World Cup squad. Ancelotti confirmed his 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and his decision sent a jolt through the soccer world, given the kind of year the 24-year-old just had at Stamford Bridge.
Pedro moved to Chelsea from Brighton last summer and turned in one of his best seasons to date, scoring 20 goals across 49 appearances in all competitions.
Pedro addressed the snub directly, keeping his composure in a statement shared by Fabrizio Romano.
"I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible to fulfill this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be," Pedro said. "Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home."
Neymar Makes Brazil's 2026 World Cup Squad
While Pedro packed his bags, Neymar got the call. The veteran forward had been publicly pushing for a spot, and Ancelotti obliged, selecting him despite a rough stretch at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where he managed just seven appearances across 18 months. Neymar is currently back in Brazil playing for Santos and gets another shot on the biggest stage.
Brazil's full 26-man squad is set.
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce) and Weverton (Gremio).
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit Saint Petersburg), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Roger Ibanez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain) and Wesley (Roma).
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad) and Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo).
Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit Saint Petersburg), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth) and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).
Brazil heads into the 2026 World Cup with plenty of firepower up front. Whether leaving Pedro home turns out to be the right call is a conversation that will follow Ancelotti all the way to the tournament.
