Brazil confirm shock omission from World Cup 2026 squad - but Scotland set to face 79-goal icon

One of the bookies’ favourites to win the tournament, Ancelotti’s side begin their World Cup campaign with a clash against Morocco at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, before taking on Haiti in Philadelphia six days later. They complete their Group C fixtures with a clash against Scotland in Miami on June 24.

Their first major tournament under the tutelage of the 66-year-old former Real Madrid boss, named his squad for the tournament at an event at the Museum of Tomorrow, a huge Tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro, and has caused controversy by leaving out free-scoring Chelsea striker Joao Pedro.

Named as Chelsea player of the season earlier this month, the Stamford Bridge hitman has been in fine form for Chelsea this season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, a tally only bettered by Manchester City pair Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo, and Brentford’s Igor Thiago, but he will not head to the World Cup after the Italian boss opted to include Neymar Jr instead.

Despite reports prior to the tournament stating the Italian manager had ‘already decided’ to leave Brazilian icon at home for the competition, the 34-year-old has been included and will make his fourth World Cup appearance for the national team this summer.

Explaining his decision to omit Pedro from his final squad, Ancelotti said: “Of course, we are sad for Joao Pedro. For the season he had in Europe, he probably deserved to be on this list, but unfortunately, with all possible awareness and respect, we chose another player. I feel very sorry for Joao Pedro and all the others."

In response to the surprise decision, the 24-year-old opted to release a statement via social media, where he wrote: “I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfil this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be. Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home."

English Premier League stars Alisson Becker, Gabriel, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cuna, Rayan and Thiago have all been included in the squad.

Brazil squad for World Cup 2026 in full:

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

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

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

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

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