Some selections write themselves.
And some spark an immediate debate the moment they’re announced.
Brazil’s World Cup squad falls firmly into the second category.
Neymar named in Brazil’s World Cup squad as Chelsea’s Joao Pedro misses out
According to TNT Sports, Brazil have confirmed their squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Neymar among the attacking names selected.
He’s alongside Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Endrick, Matheus Cunha, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Luiz Henrique and Rayan.
Joao Pedro does not appear on the list.
And that omission will raise eyebrows across English football.
The Chelsea forward has scored 20 goals in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, a remarkable return for a player who only joined from Brighton last summer.
He was good enough to attract Barcelona sporting director Deco to personally to pursue him.
He was good enough to be described as untouchable by Chelsea’s hierarchy.
But apparently not good enough to make Brazil’s World Cup squad.
The rest of the squad is largely what you’d expect from a Brazil side targeting their first World Cup since 2002.
In goal, Alisson and Ederson represent two of the best goalkeepers in world football.
The defensive options are experienced and deep.
Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bremer and Alex Sandro among those named, with Arsenal’s Gabriel providing the Premier League presence in the back line.
Midfield selections include Casemiro, alongside Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta and Fabinho.
But it’s the attacking list that will dominate the conversation.
Vinicius Junior leads the line in terms of expectation.
Raphinha, plagued by injuries this season, carries the Barcelona crown that has made him a repeat Ballon d’Or contender.
And Neymar gets one more shot at the tournament that has so far eluded him.
Joao Pedro watches from home.
Twenty goals, yet no place in the squad.
Brazilian football has always been willing to make those kinds of calls.
This summer, they’ve made another one.
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