“I tried giving my best at all times”

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has reacted on social media after being left out of the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti announced his 26-man squad for the upcoming tournament to be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico on Monday.

Neymar earned a call-up that will see him playing in his fourth World Cup, with Ancelotti claiming that the Santos forward will be an ‘important’ player for the team in this tournament.

However, the most glaring omission from the squad is that of Chelsea attacker Joao Pedro. The 24-year-old Chelsea star failed to make the cut despite scoring 20 goals and notching up nine assists in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.

Pedro also played in the international games in the build-up to the World Cup but Ancelotti opted against picking him in the squad. The likes of Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Igor Thiago, Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick and Luiz Henrique made the cut as the other forwards alongside Neymar.

Pedro made his feelings clear about being left out from the squad on Instagram. He stated that he tried to give his best at all times for the national team. But he admitted that he remains calm and focused despite the snub, signalling his desire to work even harder.

The Chelsea star also wished good luck to the Brazil players picked for the World Cup and vowed to support the team to bring their sixth title home this summer:

Pedro wrote in his Instagram story:

“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.”

Brazil are scheduled to play two friendlies against Panama and Egypt before their World Cup campaign begins next month. The Selecao are in Group C alongside Morocco, who they face in the opening game, Haiti and Scotland.

Ancelotti responds after leaving out Chelsea ace Joao Pedro and others from squad

In addition to Joao Pedro, Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos was also left out from the World Cup squad. The list of the top players missing from the squad also includes Thiago Silva, Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus and Antony.

Ancelotti admitted that it was difficult to nail down his choice to just 26 players because of the talent at his disposal. The Italian is also aware that it is natural that some players will be unhappy with his selection.

He commented:

“It was very difficult to choose these 26 players. Why? Because the competition in this country is very, very high. I know some players who have been with us this year will be unhappy.”

Notably, this is the first time Ancelotti is leading a team into the World Cup as head coach and he will be keen on making a lasting impact with Brazil. The five-time world champions have been knocked out in the quarter-finals in four of their last five appearances at the tournament since being crowned champions in 2002.