A model predictive control (MPC) strategy for a three‐phase three‐level neutral point clamped (NPC) grid‐connected inverter is discussed. Conventional two‐level inverters are effective when a symmetric fault occurs. But when a three‐phase unbalanced fault occurs, they will generate errors and introduce delay in the power system because of the complex design or the neglected negative‐sequence component of the grid. To solve this problem, a new method to control a NPC grid‐connected inverter is proposed, which combines an MPC strategy with a decoupling double synchronous reference frame phase‐locked loop technique. The proposed method reduces the use of PI controllers and enhances the system's response speed. Using simulations and experiments, the proposed MPC strategy for a three‐level NPC grid‐connected inverter is proven to be accurate and reliable.