Chelsea duo Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos were dropped from Brazil’s squad to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, World Soccer Talk reports.
Ancelotti made the official announcement on Monday at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro in a candid press conference.
While Neymar’s inclusion in the squad dominated the headlines, the exclusion of Pedro quickly emerged as one of the most discussed decisions of the afternoon.
Following the Italian head coach’s decision to leave him out, the striker broke his silence with a public statement.
Hours later, the Chelsea striker took to Instagram with a measured response.
“I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfill this dream of representing my country in a 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,” he wrote.
Pedro had made a compelling case for inclusion. He was instrumental in Chelsea’s run to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title, scoring twice in the semifinal and once in the final, and posted 20 goals and nine assists across 49 appearances in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
He also featured in three of Ancelotti’s five Brazil squads this past year, but none of it proved enough to earn a spot on the plane to North America.
