"I'm very sorry" - Carlo Ancelotti comments on the final Selecao squad for the World Cup

Being a head coach comes with great responsibility.

Details: Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti has commented on his decision not to call up 24-year-old Chelsea forward Joao Pedro for the 2026 World Cup.

• Read also: Hungary - Great Britain: Prediction, facts, bets and H2H - 19 May 2026

According to Ancelotti, this decision was extremely difficult for him:

"Believe me, I am VERY SORRY for Joao Pedro. Considering the way he has played this season, he probably DESERVED a trip to the World Cup.

However, with all due respect and given the fierce competition, we chose other players instead of him... But we really do feel sorry for Joao Pedro. I'm very sorry," Ancelotti stated.

Carlo Ancelotti has faced heavy criticism from fans after leaving one of the Premier League's top forwards out of the squad for the World Cup.

This season, Joao Pedro has played 49 matches for Chelsea, scoring 20 goals and providing 9 assists.

Reminder: The sweetness of triumph! Fans react to Neymar's inclusion in Brazil's World Cup squad