Ex-Mbappé team-mate backs Flamengo's Pedro for the World Cup

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Coluna do Fla

·28 April 2026

Ex-Mbappé team-mate backs Flamengo's Pedro for the World Cup

Pedro still dreams of a spot for the 2026 World Cup

Pedro has once again stood out in the Flamengo shirt since the arrival of Leonardo Jardim. It’s no surprise, then, that the sports media has resumed debating the striker’s chances of making Brazil’s final squad list. A former Fla player and Mbappé’s teammate at Monaco (FRA) in 2015/16, Vagner Love said the center forward should go to the World Cup.

— I would give Pedro a chance because of the form he’s in. He’s a natural center forward. Of course, you have João Pedro, Matheus Cunha, who plays out wide, Igor Thiago, who has just emerged now, and Endrick. But as an out-and-out center forward, a number 9, I would take Pedro,” said Vagner Love in an interview with ‘GE’.

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What did Pedro say about his chances of going to the World Cup?

After a brilliant performance against Atlético-MG last Sunday (26), Pedro once again spoke about his dream of going to the World Cup. The author of two goals in the 4-0 win, the number 9 stressed that the focus is to keep performing well for Flamengo.

Of course I’m still dreaming, I still believe until the very last day, until the final list, I’ll keep believing. But the focus, as I always say, is to give my best at Flamengo, because if I’m doing well here, it will open up the chance for me to go to the national team, and I hope I can keep this up until the call-up, because that’s the goal I want,” Pedro said.

When is the final Brazil squad announcement?

It is worth noting that the official Brazil squad announcement for the World Cup will take place on May 18. Thus, coach Carlo Ancelotti will begin preparing the squad on the 25th of the same month, while the trip to the United States will be on June 1.

What are Pedro’s numbers for Flamengo in 2026?

Pedro is Flamengo’s outright top scorer in the 2026 season. After all, so far, the number 9 has played 24 matches, with 15 goals and four assists. As a result, the striker has established himself as an undisputed starter under Leonardo Jardim.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

With Pedro available, Flamengo remains focused on the Libertadores. This Wednesday (29), the Rubro-Negro will face Estudiantes (ARG) at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, in the third round of the continental tournament.

So, as tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will bring all the details of Flamengo’s match through YouTube, the website, and social media. However, Globo (free-to-air TV) and Paramount+ (streaming) will broadcast the Libertadores match.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.