Carlo Ancelotti explains why Joao Pedro was left out of Brazil's World Cup 2026 squad

Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti has shared his thoughts behind leaving Chelsea striker Joao Pedro out of his squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The Italian tactician admitted that the choice wasn't an easy one, but the priority remains achieving results for the team on the world stage:

This was a very difficult decision. Joao Pedro has been scoring goals and playing excellently, and he deserved to be included...

...but then I looked at Neymar and remembered that I’m trying to win the World Cup, not to win an argument with Chelsea fans.

Sometimes tough decisions must be made.