Overview
- Brazil’s final list, released Tuesday, excluded the 24-year-old Chelsea forward in a decision that surprised recent observers of his national-team status.
- A family video posted to social media showed shock and tears as relatives waited for his name and then realized he had not been called.
- Joao Pedro wrote that he gave his best and felt disappointed, yet he said he will support Brazil and wished his teammates luck at the tournament in North America.
- Ancelotti’s choices included Neymar, who returns after a long absence from the Seleção, tightening competition for attacking roles and contributing to Pedro’s omission.
- Hours after the squad news, Pedro was set to receive Chelsea’s fans’ player-of-the-season award at Stamford Bridge, following a prolific year that outlets tallied differently depending on whether they counted all competitions or only the league.