Joao Pedro revealed he is "calm and focused" after being left out of Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad.
Carlo Ancelotti announced his 26-man team on Monday, with Neymar returning to the national team, though there was no room for Joao Pedro.
The 24-year-old has impressed for Chelsea this season, directly contributing to 26 goals in 49 games (not including the Club World Cup) and winning the club's Player of the Season award.
Among Premier League players, only Erling Haaland (46) and Bruno Fernandes (29) have directly contributed to more goals than Joao Pedro across all competitions in 2025-26.
For Brazil, however, the Chelsea forward failed to score in five World Cup qualifying appearances and two international friendlies during the March break.
Ancelotti told reporters: "I understand that they say that European football is different, more intense, but you have to consider a lot of things.
"To play here [in Brazil] is very difficult; you have a tight schedule, trips, the heat.
"Obviously, I am sad for Joao Pedro, who for the season he made in Europe probably deserved to be in this list, but sadly, with all the consciousness, respect, and competence, we chose other players."
Along with Neymar, the other Brazilian forwards selected ahead of Joao Pedro were Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha, Rayan, Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, and Luiz Henrique.
Posting a statement on Instagram, Joao Pedro said: "I try to give my best at all times, but unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfil my dream of representing my country at a World Cup.
"But I remain calm and focused as I always try to be.
"Joy and frustrations are part of football and from now on, I wish good luck to everyone that is there and I will be another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home."
ቢላቴናውNeymar
1
martinelli over would bea disgrace if he haven't injured
Muabeinrst
0
neymar wasn't der deserves neymar wsnt deserves
Naokmptuz
0
Joao Pedro is not a serious footballer, Brazil was right not to call him. He is slow and lazy.
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Who among all your Arsenal players converted more goals than him in EPL. He has more goals involvement than your best players & strikers
Naokmptuz
0
Is Martineli a striker 🤡🤡🤡 what concerns his position with Martineli position
Joao Pedro can also play wide and if it's that position part, Martinelli would be less relevant in the World Cup. Neymar, Endrick, Raphinha, Vinicius are ahead of Martinelli as better wingers
EAG1996
0
He is better than Neymar and Martinelli..Im sure Brazil wont reach the Semi final..They are so weak....
Is Martineli a striker 🤡🤡🤡 what concerns his position with Martineli position
tipdimnru
3
This was a great mistake not to include Joao.They will regret their decision
سردارایوب۔اکاخیل
0
Neymar inclusion is pure politics
سردارایوب۔اکاخیل
0
feeling bad
Vieaeklmtz
0
This Pedro guy can put a lot of pressure upfront, They would have called him.
oluwagoddy
1
sorry bruv, you can always be on the next.. heads up
iam_everywhere2
0
He doesn't convert 70% of his chances. he's overhyped. But he'll fit in barca lineup as a backup
biebcdmrs
1
He is better than Neymar and Martinelli..Im sure Brazil wont reach the Semi final..They are so weak....
Fakbcdkmny
0
this white head ancelloti is bullshit
kapedien27
1
neymar will play for 40mins and become injured, then he will miss the entire world cup
bwalyaalfred024
3
this shows to the world how broken the FA is in Brazil and shows Brazil ain't going anywhere Reaching quarter finals would be a miracle for Brazil
Pawcirsuyz
0
mid table team players hardly made picked for the world cup
Fakbcdkmny
1
Fack ancelloti
Peeeimostu
2
How can you pick Endrick ahead of Pedro in World Cup or is it because you coached him in Madrid but in Madrid you are not using him now you want to use him in world stage I think you don’t want Brazil to work
vuzbcdipy
1
Barcelona also don't want you now
boncituz
0
I don't know who the fcuk is Rayan but Martinelli and Cunha ahead of Pedro isnt fair at all.
Cunha??? you mean he doesn't deserve at all???🤣
kapedien27
0
Joao Pedro is not a serious footballer, Brazil was right not to call him. He is slow and lazy.
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Hou jou bek
Wamelpstuy
0
Joao Pedro is not a serious footballer, Brazil was right not to call him. He is slow and lazy.
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You forgot to say likes falling down
austin3451
1
Neymar will disappoint them. Jao did not score a in five qualifying matches and left out of the squad. How many qualifying matches did Neymar play? Agreed that Neymar is a world player, is that enough to include him in the team even when he's not fit? Time will tell
Neymar inclusion is not up for discussion, every one including opponents wanted Neymar in the squad.
Vopbiprsz
1
I have realized that its true that we really have different insights and perspectives from Coaches.Seriously Ancelloti call endrick and Martinelli and leave out Richarlison and Joao Pedro🤐🤐🤐🤭🤭.
austin3451
2
I don't know who the fcuk is Rayan but Martinelli and Cunha ahead of Pedro isnt fair at all.
Duan1997
1
left out this guy is a great mistake for brazil..
malablata
3
Joao Pedro is not a serious footballer, Brazil was right not to call him. He is slow and lazy.
Torrique876
2
let me just tell you I have hunch he would go before the world cup someone from the attackers may be injured and they will call up on Pedro.
mazaceimoy
0
Am sorry for you JP😞
Seediknuz
1
❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
Seocdekntz
0
Neymar will disappoint them. Jao did not score a in five qualifying matches and left out of the squad. How many qualifying matches did Neymar play? Agreed that Neymar is a world player, is that enough to include him in the team even when he's not fit? Time will tell
Topbcosy
6
he's far better than matanelli