Neymar’s big return to the Brazilian national team has created one massive winner… but also one major casualty. Despite an impressive season with Chelsea, striker João Pedro will not play in the 2026 World Cup with the Seleção.
Someone had to be dropped, and João Pedro paid the price. The 24-year-old forward was left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s final squad, as Neymar’s return completely reshaped Brazil’s attacking hierarchy.
Neymar’s Return Breaks João Pedro’s World Cup Dream
It is a huge disappointment for the former Brazilian international, but also for his entire family.
On Instagram, the Chelsea striker shared a particularly emotional message after the heartbreaking news. “I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, I could not fulfill this dream of representing my country at a World Cup,” wrote João Pedro.
OH NON ! 💔
La famille de Joao Pedro 🇧🇷 s’était réunie et a attendu toute la soirée que Carlo Ancelotti dise le nom du joueur de Chelsea… EN VAIN…😨
🎥 @geglobo pic.twitter.com/h1CHNOVxMF
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) May 19, 2026
Videos showing his family waiting for the squad announcement before realizing that Ancelotti would never say his name also deeply moved Brazilian supporters on social media. Despite his frustration, João Pedro still chose to support the Seleção. “I will be one more supporter cheering for them to bring the sixth title home,” concluded the striker, ultimately pushed out of the squad by Neymar’s highly publicized return.
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