France beats Brazil 2-1 in World Cup tune-up friendly

France defeated Brazil 2-1 in an exciting friendly match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Thursday. 

The game served as an important warm-up for both nations preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a picture-perfect chip over Brazil’s goalkeeper Ederson. France controlled the first half and took a 1-0 lead into the break. 

The opening 45 minutes featured multiple fouls from both teams in what proved to be a chippy contest between the global powers.

The second half took a dramatic turn early on. In the 55th minute, France defender Dayot Upamecano was initially given a yellow card for bringing down Brazil’s Wesley just outside the box. 

However, a VAR review upgraded the decision to a straight red card. Upamecano was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity, leaving France to play with 10 men for the final 35 minutes.

Despite being outnumbered, France struck again just 10 minutes later as Hugo Ekitike scored on a counter-attack in the 65th minute to double France’s lead to 2-0. 

Michael Olise provided the perfect through ball, and Ekitike calmly chipped the ball past the goalkeeper with clinical finishing.

Brazil refused to give up and pulled one back when Bremer scored in the 78th minute. The goal sparked a furious finish as Brazil pressed hard for an equalizer. 

The Brazilian contingent found their voices again and urged their side forward, but France’s 10-man defense managed to hold firm through seven minutes of added time.

The victory was impressive considering France played most of the match with a numerical disadvantage. Their attacking quality and defensive resilience shined through despite the red card.

For Mbappe, the goal was particularly significant. He now has 56 career goals for France and is just one shy of Olivier Giroud’s national team record.

Brazil has won the World Cup five times but has not claimed the title since 2002. France is a two-time World Cup winner, claiming titles in 1998 and 2018. 

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Brazil will next face Croatia on March 31 as both nations continue their World Cup preparations.