World Cup 2026: Come play number 10 for Brazil – Joao Pedro tells England star
Chelsea Star Joao Pedro Urges Cole Palmer to Assume Number 10 Role for Brazil Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has encouraged teammate Cole Palmer to consider playing as the number 10 for the Brazilian national team ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Pedro, absent from Brazil’s World Cup squad, believes Palmer possesses the talent needed to excel in that position. He noted that the current roster under coach Carlo Ancelotti lacks a traditional number 10.
In a discussion on the “Rio Ferdinand Presents” podcast, Pedro praised Palmer’s abilities. “He’s very intelligent. He’s magic,” Pedro said, reflecting on how his initial perceptions of Palmer have shifted through their shared experience on the pitch.
Pedro added, “I said to him before, ‘I didn’t think you were that good.’ And he just looked at me! But now, because I play with him, yeah, he’s different.”
Further emphasizing his point, Pedro stated, “I said to him, ‘Why don’t you come to Brazil? Take the number 10 there, mate. No problem.’ Because in Brazil, we don’t have this guy. If you watch us, we play 4-2-4. We don’t have a number 10.”
Palmer, like Pedro, was also left out of the England squad for the World Cup, raising discussions about his potential international future.
