Carlo Ancelotti apologizes and explains why he chose Neymar ahead of Joao Pedro in the Brazil World Cup

Pedro is yet to score for the Selecao in eight appearances for the national team, however, a record that has seemingly prompted Ancelotti to turn to Neymar despite doubts about his fitness.

When asked about this decision, Ancelotti said: “I understand that people say that European football is different, it is more intense, we also talk about playing football here. [in Brazil] it is very complicated.

“There’s the schedule, the travel, the heat. It’s hard to compare. Then there are the individual characteristics of the players. We sympathize with João Pedro because, based on the season he had in Europe, he deserved to be on this list.

“But with full awareness, respect, and skill, we chose other players. We have a lot of sympathy for João Pedro, like everyone else.”

Ancelotti is convinced that Neymar is fit and can be the difference in Brazil

Neymar has not played for the Selecao since he tore his ACL in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on October 17, 2023.

The 34-year-old, who remains Brazil’s record goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, has struggled to regain full fitness since then but has been impressive for Santos in 2026, scoring six goals and providing two assists.

“We tested Neymar throughout the year, and we saw that in the last period he played consistently and improved his physical condition,” said Ancelotti. “We think he is an important player, and he will be an important player in this World Cup.

“The tests throughout the year were based on the physical aspect only, we talked about that. It was physical. In the last games he played continuously. He may have a chance to improve his physical condition before the first game of the World Cup. He has that chance.

“Furthermore, his experience in this kind of competition, and the love he has for the team, creating a better environment for the team, helping the team, are all important things.

“He has the same role and responsibility as the other 25. He has the opportunity to play, not to play, to be on the bench, to come in as a substitute; he will have the same opportunities as others.”

We want to win the World Cup, said Ancelotti

Richarlison has also been left out, as has Newcastle midfielder Joelinton, as Brazil chase a sixth World Cup title.

Their squad looks short in terms of quality compared to the likes of Spain, France and Argentina but Ancelotti hopes a strong mentality can make up for those shortcomings.

He continued: “I am not afraid to say that we want to win the World Cup, because we have high expectations.”

“It is not a perfect team, I am sure of that, I must say that the team that will win the World Cup will not be a perfect team – there is no perfect team.

“The strongest team can win. We want to be the strongest team in the world.”

Brazil has been drawn in Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.

Full Brazilian team

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)

Strikers: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).