Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti has addressed his decision not to include Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, 24, in the squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Ancelotti described the choice as one of great difficulty, highlighting the fierce competition among players vying for a place on the team.
In a statement, Ancelotti expressed his regret, saying,
“Believe me, I am VERY SORRY for Joao Pedro. Considering the way he has played this season, he probably DESERVED a trip to the World Cup. However, with all due respect and given the fierce competition, we chose other players instead of him… But we really do feel sorry for Joao Pedro. I’m very sorry,”
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underscoring the tough nature of the selection process.
The decision has sparked considerable criticism from fans, particularly given Joao Pedro’s impressive performance this season. He has appeared in 49 matches for Chelsea, netting 20 goals and providing 9 assists, positioning him as one of the top forwards in the Premier League.