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Ultimately, Neymar's return to Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad—despite nearly three years away from international football—wasn't the headline-grabbing moment. The real stunner was João Pedro's absence from the list, despite racking up 32 goal contributions since arriving at Chelsea a year ago.
With Rodrygo already sidelined and Estêvão also deemed unfit to participate, Neymar's recall felt like a foregone conclusion. Pedro, however, appeared to be a certainty given his output in a demanding league and his presence in three of Carlo Ancelotti's previous four squad calls.
Yet the 2025–26 Chelsea Men's Player of the Season was cut from the preliminary roster, alongside Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison—both of whom were arguably fair omissions—and several others.
Ancelotti chose to hand opportunities to Brentford's Igor Thiago, who has surpassed Pedro's Premier League goal tally this season but offers less versatility, and teenage Bournemouth winger Rayan. Endrick also reclaimed his spot, despite managing just one Brazil cap in 14 months.
João Pedro 'Probably Deserved' World Cup Berth
It will bring Pedro little comfort that Ancelotti openly acknowledged after the final squad announcement that the Chelsea striker "deserved" a place in the selection.
However, the highly regarded Italian suggested that the "characteristics" of other players contributed to a more balanced and well-rounded squad better suited to succeeding in a tournament setting.
"It comes down to the individual qualities of each player. Naturally, we felt for João Pedro, because given the season he put together in Europe, he probably merited a spot on this list," Ancelotti said. "Unfortunately, with full awareness, the utmost respect, and all the competence at our disposal, we went with other players. We are truly sorry for João Pedro."
João Pedro Reacts to World Cup Snub
Having departed Brazil for England as a teenager and worked his way up through the rigors of the EFL Championship with Watford, Pedro earned his first national team cap in late 2023, shortly after completing his move to Brighton & Hove Albion. He was left out of the 2024 Copa América squad just months later and had been counting on the 2026 World Cup as his breakthrough tournament.
As a result, Pedro will now have to wait until the 2028 Copa América for that opportunity, and would be 28 years old for a potential World Cup debut, should he be selected for the 2030 edition.
"I gave everything I had at every moment," the player wrote in an Instagram story following news of his exclusion. "Unfortunately, it wasn't possible to live out this dream of representing my country at a World Cup, but I remain composed and focused, as I always strive to be.
"Joy and disappointment are all part of the game. From here, I wish everyone who made the squad the very best, and I'll be just another supporter cheering them on to bring that sixth title home."