Carlo Ancelotti has quietly admitted that he made a mistake in not taking Joao Pedro to the World Cup after selecting him in the squad for the September internationals, where they will play Australia in a double header of friendlies.
The Chelsea striker has been handed a chance to put his World Cup disappointment behind him after returning to the Brazil squad for the Selecao’s manager’s first international selection since the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The samba stars exited the tournament following defeat against Norway but never looked confident once past the group stages, with a shaky win over Japan and a Erling Haaland double costing them in the Round of 16.
🚨🇧🇷 OFFICIAL: João Pedro and Estevão among the players called up by Ancelotti, also Endrick in the list.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 9, 2026
Neymar, currently retired from international football. pic.twitter.com/tSx5ZzrsWX
The Chelsea forward was one of the notable omissions from Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad, despite his impressive form leading into the tournament. Ancelotti even apologised to João Pedro at the time of his selection after leaving him out, making his return to the national team all the more significant.
Now, just months later, in what looks like a new-look and fresh squad, the 24-year-old has been given another opportunity to prove that he should be part of Brazil’s plans moving forward. Estevao is also included in the squad after missing his World Cup chance through a hamstring injury, while there are omissions for Liverpool keeper Alisson, Neymar, Matheus Cunha and Casemiro.
Pedro to be the main man?
João Pedro will view the long trip to Australia, followed by a potential meeting with India, as a valuable opportunity to stake his claim for Brazil’s No. 9 shirt ahead of the next Copa América and, ultimately, the 2030 World Cup.
He will be competing for that famous yellow-and-green shirt and the No. 9 on his back for the foreseeable future, with Endrick and Pedro also providing competition for the centre-forward position. With a new international cycle now underway, João Pedro has a chance to establish himself as Brazil’s leading striker and ensure he is not left out when the next major tournament comes around.
The timing could hardly be better for the Chelsea striker. Ancelotti is looking towards the 2030 World Cup and has significantly refreshed his squad, with eight players receiving their first senior call-ups and several familiar names returning after missing the World Cup. João Pedro is therefore not simply being brought back into the fold; he has the chance to establish himself as a key part of Ancelotti’s long-term plans.
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