Brazil 2026 World Cup squad: Ancelotti drops Chelsea's Joao Pedro and Estevao

Joao Pedro, 24, has been one of Chelsea's most consistent performers this season since his move from Brighton for around 60 million pounds. He scored 15 goals and added five assists in 34 Premier League appearances, form that many expected would secure his place.

The forward has also been involved in the international setup since making his debut for Brazil national football team in November 2023, earning eight caps and featuring in World Cup qualifying matches. He even started in Brazil's recent friendly against Croatia in April.

Despite that, head coach Carlo Ancelotti opted for other attacking options, including Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick, Neymar and Igor Thiago.

Reacting to the omission, Joao Pedro posted an emotional but measured message on social media.

"I tried to give my best at all times," he said. "Unfortunately, it wasn't possible to fulfil this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused."

He added: "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."

Ancelotti later addressed the decision, admitting sympathy for the Chelsea striker.

"We were sad for Joao Pedro," he said. "For the season he had in Europe, he probably deserved to be on this list. But we chose other players."

Estevao's absence also comes as a setback, with the winger currently sidelined after missing recent matches due to a hamstring injury.

Brazil's squad still includes several Premier League names such as Gabriel Magalhaes, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta, as the team prepares for what Ancelotti described as a carefully balanced selection process.

Brazil squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio).

Defenders: Marquinhos (PSG), Gabriel (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Wesley (Roma), Danilo (Flamengo), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit).

Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Danilo (Botafogo), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo).

Forwards: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Endrick (Lyon/Real Madrid), Martinelli (Arsenal), Rayan (Bournemouth), Neymar (Santos).

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