How can that be true, when the context makes it clear that the "world" here is the whole world of humanity -- the human race? Calvin's commentary on John 3:16 confirms this. The sad thing is that Calvin failed to make this a part of his theology. Just like you, that is called wilful blindness.
CALVIN'S COMMENTARY (see Bible Hub)
16. For God so loved the world. Christ opens up the first cause, and, as it were, the source of our salvation, and he does so, that no doubt may remain; for our minds cannot find calm repose, until we arrive at the unmerited love of God. As the whole matter of our salvation must not be sought any where else than in Christ, so we must see whence Christ came to us, and why he was offered to be our Savior. Both points are distinctly stated to us: namely, that faith in Christ brings life to all, and that Christ brought life, because the Heavenly Father loves the human race, and wishes that they should not perish. And this order ought to be carefully observed; for such is the wicked ambition which belongs to our nature, that when the question relates to the origin of our salvation, we quickly form diabolical imaginations about our own merits. Accordingly, we imagine that God is reconciled to us, because he has reckoned us worthy that he should look upon us. But Scripture everywhere extols his pure and unmingled mercy, which sets aside all merits... And this is still more clear from what follows; for he adds, that God gave his Son to men, that they may not perish.