João Pedro has responded with calm acceptance after missing out on his dream of representing Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, while expressing full support for the national team’s bid to secure a sixth title.
In a statement, Pedro made it clear he will be cheering on the national team as a dedicated fan.
“I tried to give my best at all times,” the Chelsea forward said. “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.”
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 to bring the sixth title home.”
The comments follow his exclusion from Brazil’s squad, which was announced by coach Carlo Ancelotti on Monday, May 18, 2026. The decision has generated considerable discussion, particularly given Pedro’s impressive club form.
Ancelotti opted for other attacking options, including the returning Neymar, but many observers believe Pedro’s combination of mobility, high pressing, and ability to drop deep and create play would have made him an ideal modern No. 9 alongside Vinícius Júnior.
Pedro has eight senior caps for Brazil under his belt, all of them coming exclusively across International Friendlies and FIFA World Cup qualification fixtures.
Since joining Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion on July 2, 2025, the striker has enjoyed a standout debut season. He has contributed 20 goals and 9 assists across 49 appearances in all competitions, quickly establishing himself as the team’s primary offensive threat.
Prior to his arrival, Chelsea’s forward line had been inconsistent and lacked a dependable goal scorer capable of reliably converting chances in open play. Pedro’s arrival has brought greater stability and cutting edge to the attack.
According to the CBF, the selected players will begin reporting on May 27 at the Granja Comary training center in Teresópolis, in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. The team will then play a farewell friendly against Panama on May 31 at the Maracanã Stadium.
LIST OF SANCTIONED PLAYERS
Goalkeepers
ALISSON (Liverpool)
EDERSON (Fenerbahçe)
WEVERTON (Grêmio)
Defenders
ALEX SANDRO (Flamengo)
BREMER (Juventus)
DANILO (Flamengo)
DOUGLAS SANTOS (Zenit)
GABRIEL MAGALHÃES (Arsenal)
IBAÑEZ (Al-Ahli)
LÉO PEREIRA (Flamengo)
MARQUINHOS (PSG)
WESLEY (Rome)
Midfielders
BRUNO GUIMARÃES (Newcastle)
CASEMIRO (Manchester United)
DANILO SANTOS (Botafogo)
FABINHO (Al-Ittihad)
LUCAS PAQUETÁ (Flamengo)
Forwards
ENDRICK (Lyon)
GABRIEL MARTINELLI (Arsenal)
IGOR THIAGO (Brentford)
LUIZ HENRIQUE (Zenit)
MATHEUS CUNHA (Manchester United)
NEYMAR (Santos)
RAPHINHA (Barcelona)
RAYAN (Bournemouth) VINI JR. (Real Madrid)
