Carlo Ancelotti released the official roster of players called up by Brazil for the 2026 World Cup, where the highest expectations surrounded Neymar, who was ultimately included. However, there was another side to the coin regarding the players left off the list, such as Joao Pedro, who finally received an explanation from Ancelotti.
The surprise following the inclusion of Neymar was the absence of Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, with Ancelotti making it clear that it is a shame, but that he will have another opportunity down the road. “I am sad for players who have been left out, like Joao Pedro,” Ancelotti said. “They will have chances in the future.”
Joao Pedro is one of the biggest omissions from the Brazil roster that is generating excitement ahead of the World Cup. Pedro’s profile is exactly what screams Jogo Bonito and that Brazilian identity they have been searching for so much during this time.
Joao Pedro’s season
Joao Pedro has put together a season worthy of consideration, serving as one of the key players for Chelsea, who have not had a good season, though he has stood out above the rest. This season, he recorded 15 goals and five assists in the Premier League. Only Erling Haaland (34), Bruno Fernandes (28), and Igor Thiago (23) have directly contributed to more goals in the Premier League this season than Joao Pedro.
Joao Pedro of Chelsea
And he was left out, surely because of Neymar. He is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals and has represented the Selecao at three World Cups, including their home tournament in 2014. He has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 13 matches at the World Cup. Only Ronaldo (19), Pele (18), and Jairzinho (12) have directly contributed to more goals at the finals for Brazil.
Official Brazil World Cup roster
The squad managed by Carlo Ancelotti is one of the big question marks heading into the upcoming World Cup due to the poor performance they have shown in the Qualifiers and that lack of identity, but with the inclusion of Neymar and the rest of the call-ups, there is hope, even if, name by name, they do not compare to those of previous World Cups.
Here’s the Brazil World Cup roster:
Goalkeepers
- Alisson Becker, Liverpool
- Ederson Moraes, Fenerbahce
- Weverton, Gremio
Defenders
- Marquinhos, PSG
- Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal
- Gleison Bremer, Juventus
- Danilo, Flamengo
- Alex Sandro, Flamengo
- Wesley, Roma
- Douglas Santos, Zenit
- Ibanez, Al Ahli
- Leo Pereira, Flamengo
Midfielders
- Casemiro, Manchester United
- Lucas Paqueta, Flamengo
- Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle
- Fabinho, Al Ittihad
- Danilo Santos, Botafogo
Forwards
- Neymar, Santos
- Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid
- Raphinha, Barcelona
- Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal
- Matheus Cunha, Manchester United
- Endrick, Lyon
- Luiz Henrique, Zenit
- Igor Thiago, Brentford
- Rayan, Bournemouth
Notable omissions for Brazil
Aside from Joao Pedro, other players cause a surprise by being left out of the roster, players like Alex Telles, Thiago Silva, Everton Ribeiro, Richarlison, and Gabriel Jesus, while also keeping in mind injured players like Rodrygo and Eder Militao.
