Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has issued an emotional response after being surprisingly omitted from Brazil’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive debut season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 20 goals and providing 6 assists across all competitions.
There's no place for João Pedro in Brazil's World Cup squad.
Since his Chelsea debut on 5 July 2025, only Vinícius Júnior has been involved in more goals for a top-five European league club across all competitions among all Brazilian players. pic.twitter.com/4hfGsSn2yn
Despite his strong club form and previous call-ups under Carlo Ancelotti, Pedro was left out when the Italian coach named his squad on Monday at Rio’s Museu do Amanhã.
sports.yahoo.comPedro took to Instagram to share his disappointment while maintaining a professional and supportive attitude.
He wrote: “I tried giving my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfil this dream of representing my country at the World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be.
“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.”
The omission has been widely viewed as one of the biggest surprises of Ancelotti’s selection, especially with Neymar recalled and other attackers like Endrick and Vinicius Junior included.
Ancelotti later expressed sympathy, stating he felt “very sorry” for players like Pedro and Andrey Santos, adding that they would have future opportunities with the national team.
