Chelsea's Joao Pedro philosophical after missing out on Brazil's World Cup squad

[p]Ancelotti's final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup sparked controversy as the likes of Thiago Silva and Antony missed out, whilst [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/neymar/jNOPwl3h/"]Neymar[/a] grabbed a spot in the side for the tournament that is now less than 30 days away. [/p][p]Ancelotti said that Neymar "has improved his fitness" after the squad announcement at a gala in Rio de Janeiro. "He will be an important player in this World Cup." [/p][p]Whilst Neymar got in, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/joao-pedro/CAmJERl2/"]Joao Pedro[/a] has been left out in what was a devastating announcement, as clips of his entire family were posted as they reacted to him missing out. [/p][p]Speaking after finding out the news, Pedro made a statement online as he vowed to stick with the side throughout the tournament.[/p][image alt="Joao Pedro's stats in the Premier League this season" id="a9dd0007-ce9d-4009-a55c-fd4c56f512c8" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform / REUTERS/Tony O Brien" guid="dc2faf91-02e7-408d-bc8f-5dec4961b9d9" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]"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. [/b][/p][p][b]"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." [/b][/p][p]Pedro, who has 15 Premier League goals this season, had played in both of Brazil's last friendlies before the tournament but now must accept that he will not play at the World Cup until he is at least 27 years old. [/p]