'Not a World Cup squad': A shocking best 11 made up of Brazil's eliminated players... Five EPL stars also left out

*This content was translated by AI.

This is not the final World Cup squad. Even gathering only the players left out of the Brazil national team creates another super-luxury best 11.

On the 20th (Korean time), the UK's The Sun introduced a best 11 composed of players excluded from Brazil's final World Cup squad. The media stated, "There were many notable players left out of the squad, including five stars from the English Premier League (EPL)," and added, "While some were excluded due to injury, other players simply were not chosen by Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti."

It further noted, "However, their reputations are immense. A separate World Cup team could easily be formed with just these eliminated players."

The formation was 4-2-3-1. At the forefront was Joao Pedro (Chelsea), recognized as one of the top strikers in the EPL. Last summer, Pedro transferred from Brighton (England) to Chelsea for a huge fee (approximately 100 billion won) and has been playing as a key player for the team. This season, he has scored 23 goals in all competitions, all from open play. Notably, while Chelsea has struggled this season, finishing 8th in the league with 52 points, Pedro has been fighting hard on his own. Moreover, Pedro has consistently been selected for the Brazil national team recently, raising high expectations for his inclusion in the World Cup squad.

However, when announcing the final 2026 FIFA North American World Cup squad on the 19th, coach Ancelotti called up 'legend' Neymar (Santos) instead of Pedro. According to local reports, Ancelotti prepared two separate squad lists: one including Pedro and another featuring Neymar. This indicates deep deliberation, but Ancelotti's final choice ultimately went to Neymar.

Also left out of the final squad were Hischelison (Tottenham), who played alongside Son Heung-min (LAFC), as well as top prospects Estevao (Chelsea) and Rodrygo (Real Madrid). Estevao and Rodrygo were hampered by injuries. Estevao ended his season early last month due to a hamstring injury, while Rodrygo suffered a heartbreaking anterior cruciate ligament tear in March.

Joelinton, the midfield core of England's Newcastle, and midfielder Ederson (Atalanta), whose transfer to a big club has been rumored, were also sadly listed among the eliminated players. In the defensive line, Alex Telles (Botafogo), Thiago Silva (FC Porto), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), and Vanderson (AS Monaco) were excluded from the final squad.

The media reported, "Former Brazil captain Silva has performed brilliantly at Chelsea despite being in his late 30s and helped Porto win the league title at age 41, defying the passage of time. Although Silva was included in the preliminary squad, he did not get a chance at the North American World Cup. It appears this was effectively his final match for the Brazil national team."

Another victim of misfortune was Lucas Perri, the 'starting goalkeeper' of Leeds United (England). The Sun explained that coach Ancelotti chose Alisson Becker (Liverpool) and Ederson, who played for Manchester City (England), for the goalkeeper position. Perri has never played for the Brazil national team. Weverton (Gremio) was called up as the third goalkeeper option. Therefore, Perri was unable to get a chance for his national team debut.

Meanwhile, Brazil, which holds the record for the most World Cup titles with five wins, is also considered a strong favorite for this tournament. In the North American World Cup, they were drawn into Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.

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*This content was translated by AI.