Brazil’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Morocco has sparked one question louder than any other: Why wasn’t João Pedro in the squad?
As the Seleção struggled to break down Morocco’s disciplined defense, fans were left wondering whether Carlo Ancelotti had made a costly selection decision. Brazil dominated possession for long stretches but lacked the killer instinct in front of goal—a quality João Pedro has displayed consistently over the past season.
Social media erupted after the final whistle, with many supporters arguing that Brazil desperately needed a natural finisher capable of changing the game. Instead, the five-time world champions dropped valuable points in their opening World Cup match, leaving unnecessary pressure on themselves heading into the next fixture.
Ancelotti is one of football’s greatest managers, but every World Cup decision is magnified. Leaving an in-form striker at home is always a gamble, and after Brazil failed to secure all three points, that gamble is already under intense scrutiny.
Of course, it’s far too early to declare the decision a failure. Brazil still has time to respond, and Ancelotti has earned the benefit of the doubt through decades of success. But football is a results business, and when the goals don’t come, questions quickly follow.
If Brazil’s attack continues to misfire, the debate over João Pedro’s omission won’t disappear—it will only grow louder.
