Kaio Jorge and Pedro in Cruzeiro v Flamengo duel, Libertadores stakes and Brazil 2030 in view | OneFootball

Kaio Jorge and Pedro meet as Cruzeiro face Flamengo in the Libertadores last 16 on Wednesday, each looking to impress Carlo Ancelotti and strengthen hopes for 2030.

According to Globo.com, both are well regarded by Ancelotti and have already figured in call-ups and preliminary lists. This season Pedro has 21 goals in official matches, Kaio Jorge 15, and they would be 33 and 28 at the 2030 finals.

Both had eyed a place at the 2026 World Cup, which did not happen. Pedro came closest, scoring in a 1-1 draw with Athletico-PR at Arena da Baixada in the final game before the squad was named, with Ancelotti watching. He played at Qatar 2022 and has six caps.

Kaio Jorge earned a senior call-up in August 2025 under Ancelotti after leading Cruzeiro’s scoring in the Brasileiro. He was part of Brazil’s Under-17 World Cup-winning side in 2019.

Both could help fill the centre-forward role in the next cycle, with Igor Thiago and Endrick used in 2026 but neither cementing a spot. A strong showing in this knockout could boost early call-up chances. Brazil are set to face Australia and India in friendlies during the September and October 2026 FIFA windows.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”