Joao Pedro and his close ones must be left heartbroken despite the huge expectations that he would earn a call-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Selecao coach announced Brazil's official 26-man squad for the marquee event on Monday.
While all the buzz is around Neymar's last dance at the World Cup, a video is garnering traction on social media, capturing the reaction of Joao Pedro's family to Brazil's squad announcement.
Joao Pedro, a reigning Club World Cup champion with Chelsea, is a familiar name in the Premier League circuit. The Brazilian forward has donned the blues 49 times this season across all competitions. Despite Chelsea going through a rough patch, Pedro's numbers remain impressive. He has registered 29 G/A, including 20 goals.
Should Neymar Be Blamed for Joao Pedro's World Cup Fate?
Since Ancelotti unveiled the provisional Brazilian squad, one question has echoed throughout the football world: "Will Neymar go to the World Cup for the last time?" Reports suggested that the Brazil coach had been confused between Pedro and Neymar as the remaining squad was almost confirmed.
Ancelotti, however, has never agreed to such claims. Instead, he spoke highly of Joao Pedro after the squad announcement. With a limited number of spots in the attack, he had to make a difficult call, keeping faith in Neymar's years-long experience of playing at the big stage.
Joao Pedro's Family's Reaction Goes Viral After Brazil World Cup Squad Announcement
Joao Pedro's family expected to see the Chelsea forward in the Brazil World Cup squad. They gathered to celebrate the feat, but nothing went as planned. As Pedro missed out on the call-up, his family members were left disappointed. A video of their reaction has gone viral.
Check the video here:
What Did Carlo Ancelotti Say About Joao Pedro's Exclusion?
Reflecting on his decision to drop Pedro, Ancelotti said, "Believe me, I am sad for João Pedro. With the season he is having, he probably deserved to go to the World Cup.'
"However, with all possible respect and with so much competition, we chose other players ahead of him… But we truly feel sorry for João Pedro. I'm sorry," the coach added.
Now with their all-time top scorer Neymar Jr in the team, Brazil will start preparing for the tournament as they aim for their record-extending sixth World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti's men will begin their campaign with a big match against Morocco on June 14.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Neymar's First Reaction To Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Call-Up As Marcelo Celebrates Wildly