France forward Kylian Mbappe moved to within one goal of equalling his country’s all-time goalscoring record with a sumptuous chip in the 2-1 win over Brazil.
Les Bleus faced the Selecao in a friendly at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Thursday night in the first of two matches planned for both sides during the final international break before this summer’s World Cup.
And Mbappe struck in the first half to give his side the lead, latching onto a through ball from Ousmane Dembele and racing clean through before lifting a lovely finish over Ederson. It was the 56th international goal for Mbappe in his 95th game for France, and it took him one behind Olivier Giroud’s all-time record of 57 goals.
Brazil came out firing after the break, and were unlucky not to equalise before Dayot Upamecano clipped Wesley when the defender was clean through, meaning the Frenchman was given a straight red card.
The Selecao briefly threatened to get back into it but they soon found themselves 2-0 down, with Hugo Ekitike stabbing a great chip past Ederson for 2-0 just after the hour mark. And though Bremer gave his side hope late on, Brazil didn’t have enough to find a late equaliser, with Ekitike deciding the game in what was a fine advert for this summer’s World Cup.
Follow all the action from the Gillette Stadium in our live blog below:
Brazil vs France LIVE
- France beat Brazil 2-1 in meeting of two World Cup favourites in Boston
- Kylian Mbappe closes in on France’s all-time scoring record after superb chip in win over Brazil
- 78' GOAL! Bremer taps in to give Brazil lifeline [BRA 1-2 FRA]
- 65' GOAL! Ekitike chips extends France lead [BRA 0-2 FRA]
- 55' RED CARD! Upamecano sent off after VAR review for hauling down Wesley [BRA 0-1 FRA]
- 32' GOAL! Mbappe scores with stunning chip [BRA 0-1 FRA]
Mbappe closes in on scoring record
07:54 , Chris WilsonKylian Mbappe has moved to within one goal of equalling France's all-time top goalscoring record after his effort this evening.
It marks his 56th goal on his 95th appearance for Les Bleus, with only Olivier Giroud scoring more (with 57).
Kylian Mbappe closes in on France’s all-time scoring record after superb chip in win over Brazil
07:00 , Chris WilsonFrance forward Kylian Mbappe moved to within one goal of equalling his country’s all-time goalscoring record with a sumptuous chip in the 2-1 win over Brazil.
Les Bleus faced the Selecao in a friendly at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Thursday night in the first of two matches planned for both sides during the final international break before this summer’s World Cup.
And Mbappe struck in the first half to give his side the lead, latching onto a through ball from Ousmane Dembele and racing clean through before lifting a lovely finish over Ederson.
Kylian Mbappe closes in on France goal record after scoring in win over Brazil
WATCH: Mbappe & Ekitike secure win
06:30 , Chris WilsonBelow, you can watch the highlights of both goals as Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike scored the goals in a 2-1 win.
Here’s the first as Mbappe moved within one goal of equalling France’s all-time record...
A fabulous French foray! 🇫🇷
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 26, 2026
Mbappe with a delightful chip over an onrushing Ederson ⚽️
The Frenchman is now just one goal short of Giroud as the all-time leading goalscorer for the national team#ITVFootball pic.twitter.com/6mnRvxy4z7
And here’s a similary subtle second from Ekitike to eventually win it!
Hugo Ekitiké with the dinked finish! 🇫🇷⚽️
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 26, 2026
Another lightning-fast break and ten-man France lead Brazil 2-0! pic.twitter.com/MiNuleJzWZ
England’s World Cup 2026 squad: Who’s on the plane, who’s almost there and who has work to do?
06:00 , Chris WilsonWith England in action today, here’s a look at who might be on the plane already ,from Lawrence Ostlere...
England have only one more camp before Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the 2026 World Cup, and plenty is still up in the air.
England dominated Group K in Uefa qualifying to book their place at next summer’s World Cup, winning all eight games without conceding a goal.
Tuchel has picked a 35-man group for this month’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, after which he will have just a few weeks to finalise his group to take to USA, Canada and Mexico in June.
The manager has made clear that he wants to build a squad with clearly defined roles, and two players for every position on the pitch, plus a third goalkeeper and three versatile outfield players to round out the 26. He sees his midfield comprising a No 6, a No 8 and No 10 and wants each player to know their specific role in the side.
Wales endure more penalty heartbreak as World Cup hopes crushed by Bosnia
05:00 , Chris WilsonWales football suffered World Cup 2026 play-off heartbreak as Bosnia and Herzegovina football won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Cardiff.
It was a cruel repeat of Wales’ exit in the Euro 2024 play-offs as spot-kicks again proved their undoing.
Wales were four minutes from booking a home play-off final against Italy – 2-0 winners over Northern Ireland – on Tuesday after Daniel James put them ahead with a stunning strike soon after half-time.
Wales endure more penalty heartbreak as World Cup hopes crushed by Bosnia
Penalty anguish ends Ireland’s World Cup dream as Czech Republic advance to play-off final
04:00 , Chris WilsonJan Kliment fired the Czech Republic to within 90 minutes of the World Cup finals as they broke Republic of Ireland hearts in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to set up a showdown with Denmark.
Substitute Kliment scored the decisive spot-kick at the Fortuna Arena after Finn Azaz and Alan Browne had seen their efforts saved by Matej Kovar to book a clash with the Danes on Tuesday night with a trip to the United States, Canada and Mexico at stake.
Ireland had come within four minutes of victory when Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci headed the hosts level on a night when the visitors had led 2-0 after just 23 minutes to leave them dreaming of a first World Cup adventure since 2002.
Penalty anguish ends Ireland’s World Cup dream as Czech Republic advance
Valiant Northern Ireland have World Cup dreams shattered by Italy
03:00 , Chris WilsonNorthern Ireland’s dreams of reaching the World Cup were ended by Italy as Michael O’Neill’s young side fell to a 2-0 qualifying play-off semi-final defeat in Bergamo.
Northern Ireland battled superbly against an Italy side under immense pressure to deliver qualification after two consecutive failures to reach a tournament they have won four times, but were undone by second-half goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.
Having reached half-time with the match still goalless, Northern Ireland successfully ramped up the tension inside the Stadio di Bergamo, but it was released in the 56th minute when Tonali capitalised on a poor clearance from Isaac Price to thrash home.
Valiant Northern Ireland have World Cup dreams shattered by Italy
Harry Maguire on Tuchel’s England phone call, Carrick’s future and his one problem with Amorim
02:00 , Chris WilsonHarry Maguire was stepping onto a late afternoon flight to Bournemouth with his Manchester United teammates when a WhatsApp message pinged his phone. It was the England manager, Thomas Tuchel, asking if they could talk that evening.
Butterflies fluttered. Maguire hadn’t played for England for nearly two years, since he appeared in a Nations League game against Ireland in 2024. He had never played for Tuchel and there had been very little contact from the manager since he took the job last January. “I knew if I missed this camp, I don’t think I would have been back in the England setup,” Maguire admits.
Maguire on Tuchel’s call, Carrick’s future and his problem with Amorim
England’s World Cup 2026 squad: Who’s on the plane, who’s almost there and who has work to do?
01:00 , Lawrence OstlereWith England in action today, here’s a look at who might be on the plane already, from Lawrence Ostlere...
England have only one more camp before Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the 2026 World Cup, and plenty is still up in the air.
England dominated Group K in Uefa qualifying to book their place at next summer’s World Cup, winning all eight games without conceding a goal.
Tuchel has picked a 35-man group for this month’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, after which he will have just a few weeks to finalise his group to take to USA, Canada and Mexico in June.
The manager has made clear that he wants to build a squad with clearly defined roles, and two players for every position on the pitch, plus a third goalkeeper and three versatile outfield players to round out the 26. He sees his midfield comprising a No 6, a No 8 and No 10 and wants each player to know their specific role in the side.
England’s World Cup 2026 squad: Who’s on the plane and who has work to do?
World Cup qualifying European play-off finals
00:00 , Chris WilsonHere are the four finals to decide the final four European teams who’ll qualify for the 2026 World Cup:
Path A: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy (Zenica)
Path B: Sweden vs Poland (Solna)
Path C: Kosovo vs Türkiye (Pristina)
Path D: Czechia vs Denmark (Prague)
WATCH: Mbappe & Ekitike secure win
Thursday 26 March 2026 23:40 , Chris WilsonBelow, you can watch the highlights of both goals as Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike scored the goals in a 2-1 win.
Here’s the first as Mbappe moved within one goal of equalling France’s all-time record...
A fabulous French foray! 🇫🇷
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 26, 2026
Mbappe with a delightful chip over an onrushing Ederson ⚽️
The Frenchman is now just one goal short of Giroud as the all-time leading goalscorer for the national team#ITVFootball pic.twitter.com/6mnRvxy4z7
And here’s a similary subtle second from Ekitike to eventually win it!
Hugo Ekitiké with the dinked finish! 🇫🇷⚽️
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 26, 2026
Another lightning-fast break and ten-man France lead Brazil 2-0! pic.twitter.com/MiNuleJzWZ
Kylian Mbappe closes in on France’s all-time scoring record after superb chip in win over Brazil
Thursday 26 March 2026 23:20 , Chris WilsonFrance forward Kylian Mbappe moved to within one goal of equalling his country’s all-time goalscoring record with a sumptuous chip in the 2-1 win over Brazil.
Les Bleus faced the Selecao in a friendly at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Thursday night in the first of two matches planned for both sides during the final international break before this summer’s World Cup.
And Mbappe struck in the first half to give his side the lead, latching onto a through ball from Ousmane Dembele and racing clean through before lifting a lovely finish over Ederson.
Kylian Mbappe closes in on France goal record after scoring in win over Brazil
Who's in action tomorrow?
Thursday 26 March 2026 23:15 , Chris WilsonSelected friendlies from tomorrow include:
England vs Uruguay - 7.45pm
Switzerland vs Germany - 7.45pm
Netherlands vs Norway - 7.45pm
Spain vs Serbia - 8pm
Argentina vs Mauritania - 11.15pm
World Cup qualifying results
Thursday 26 March 2026 23:05 , Chris WilsonHere are the results from World Cup qualifying games in Europe this evening:
Turkiye 1-0 Romania
Czechia 2-2 Ireland (Czechia win 4-3 on pens.)
Denmark 4-0 Macedonia
Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
Poland 2-1 Albania
Slovakia 3-4 Kosovo
Ukraine 1-3 Sweden
Wales 1-1 Bosnia (Bosnia win 3-2 on pens.)
RESULTS: WALES & IRELAND OUT OF WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:55 , Chris WilsonBoth Wales and the Republic of Ireland have lost their World Cup play-off semi-finals on penalties this evening!
You can read all the reaction from both games following the links above.
FULL-TIME! Brazil 1-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:47 , Chris Wilson
Mbappe closes in on scoring record
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:38 , Chris WilsonKylian Mbappe has moved to within one goal of equalling France's all-time top goalscoring record after his effort this evening.
It marks his 56th goal on his 95th appearance for Les Bleus, with only Olivier Giroud scoring more (with 57).
Next up
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:32 , Chris WilsonBrazil’s next friendly comes against Croatia in Orlando on 31 March (though it kicks off at 1am BST on 1 April).
France face Colombia at the Northwest Stadium in Maryland on 29 March.
Wales & Ireland going to penalties...
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:27 , Chris WilsonWales and the Republic of Ireland have both gone to penalties in their World Cup qualifying semi-finals!
You can follow the Wales game here...
...and you can see how Ireland are getting on here!
FULL-TIME! Brazil 1-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:19 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Brazil 1-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:10 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the final whistle and France have edged to a 2-1 win over Brazil thanks to great goals from Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike!
Brazil 1-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:06 , Chris Wilson90 +7 mins
Oh, that was the moment!
Bremer has almost fooled his teammates here as he deceives the defenders by lining up for the shot before sliding a diagonal pass into the box.
It’s out of reach of Thiago and Vini Jr gets a foot to it but can only direct it wide!
Brazil 1-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:05 , Chris Wilson90 +6 mins
And now a vital intervention from Konate and Hernandez to prevent Henrique getting a shot away in the box!
Brazil 1-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:04 , Chris Wilson90 +5 mins
Vini Jr wants a penalty as a cross is blocked with an arm, but it was in a natural position. Brazil come on the attack again...
Brazil 1-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:03 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
It’s just not quite happening for Brazil as they try to put together a couple of last-ditch attempts...
Brazil 1-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:00 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
Into the first of seven minutes of added time at the Gillette Stadium. Akliouche is on for Olise for France.
Brazil 1-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:00 , Chris Wilson90 mins
What an equaliser that would have been! Henrique steals in on the wing and clips a great ball across the box. Unfortunately for the Selecao, it’s Bremer arriving on the volley, and the defender lashes it wide!
Brazil 1-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:57 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Brazil are still pushing for an equaliser and they think they should have a free-kick in dangerous area but it’s waved away.
France are holding firm for now!
Brazil 1-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:53 , Chris Wilson84 mins
Brazil make another sub as Gabriel Sara comes on for Casemiro. The Galatasaray man is another debutant for the Selecao.
Brazil 1-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:52 , Chris Wilson83 mins
Casemiro does get a head to the set-piece, as he’s done to great effect recently at club level, but it loops high and into the gloves of Maignan.
Brazil 1-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:52 , Chris Wilson82 mins
Can Brazil get a late equaliser? They’re certainly pressing for one, though Roger Ibanez was just yellow carded as he clipped Hernandez.
At the other end, Vini Jr does well to win a corner.
GOAL! Brazil 1-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:47 , Chris Wilson78 mins
GOAL! Bremer drags Brazil back into it!
It all comes from the free-kick, with Casemiro doing well to keep it in play at the back post. It comes back to Henrique, who fizzes it back across goal for Bremer to tap it in!
All to play for with just over 10 minutes left!
Brazil 0-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:46 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Vini Jr wins a free-kick on the edge of the area and this is a great chance to swing in a dangerous cross.
Brazil 0-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:44 , Chris Wilson76 mins
A yellow card for Bremer now as he brings down Doue after the youngster had dribbled past him on the counter.
Brazil 0-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:43 , Chris Wilson74 mins
Half a chance for Brazil as Vini Jr clips in a great diagonal cross, but Lacroix does well to head away.
Brazil 0-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:42 , Chris Wilson72 mins
A triple-sub for Brazil as Ibanez, Igor Thiago and Danilo come on for Cunha, Wesley and Andrey Santos.
Brazil 0-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:39 , Chris Wilson70 mins
Another brielf cooling break now as both managers speak to their teams.
Brazil 0-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:38 , Chris Wilson68 mins
That goal is the last touch for Ekitike, who has come off for Marcus Thuram. Mbappe is also off, and he’s replaced by Desire Doue.
GOAL! Brazil 0-2 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:33 , Chris Wilson65 mins
GOAL! France have another against the run of play!
It’s another lovely goal too. Les Bleus counter led by Olise, and he picks out an inch-perfect pass to Ekitike in the area. He manages to nip in front of Ederson and lifts a great first-time finish over the ‘keeper for 2-0!
Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:31 , Chris Wilson62 mins
Plenty of possesion for Brazil since the red card but no real clear-cut openings.
A clever no-look pass from Casemiro almost releases Santos but Gusto was alert to it.
Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:26 , Chris Wilson58 mins
Subs for France in response to that red card. Maxence Lacroix and N’Golo Kante are on for Tchouameni and Dembele.
Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:25 , Chris Wilson56 mins
Not a terrible effort from Pereira but it’s tame and too close to Maignan.
RED CARD FOR FRANCE! Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:24 , Chris Wilson55 mins
RED CARD! Upamecano is given his marching orders as he dragged down Wesley, who was clean through and racing into the box.
It’s a straight red for denial of a goalscoring opportunity, and Brazil have a free-kick just outside the area.
VAR! Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:23 , Chris Wilson53 mins
The referee is going to the monitor! It could be denial of a goalscoring opportunity, though there’s also a hint of offside...
Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:21 , Chris Wilson52 mins
Brazil want a red card for Upamecano as he takes down Wesley, who got behind the Frenchman and took the touch across the defender to force him to bring him down.
Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:20 , Chris Wilson51 mins
All Brazil to start with in the second half! Henrique has been great so far, this time cutting in before driving in an effort that Maignan parries away.
Casemiro fires over from the follow-up attack moments later.
Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:18 , Chris Wilson48 mins
Oh, almost a clear opening for Brazil! Martinelli gets the ball in the middle of the box and he tries to lay it wide to Vini Jr, but Casemiro was making the run in and ended up taking it away from the Madrid winger!
Moments later, Konate makes a great block after Martinelli had a chance to shoot from point-blank range.
Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:16 , Chris Wilson46 mins
An early opening for Brazil but Wesley gets away down the right before blasting a cross into the side-netting.
Ancelotti has made a sub, bringing on Luiz Henrique for Raphinha.
KICK-OFF! Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:14 , Chris WilsonBack underway at the Gillette Stadium! What does the second half have in store for us?
HALF-TIME! Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:06 , Chris WilsonIt’s been a first half full of chances and quality at both ends, with some serious talent on show at the Gillette Stadium.
France gained the lead with a goal worthy of winning any game as Mbappe lifted a lovely finish over Ederson, but while Les Bleus are deserving of their half-time lead, Brazil have been threatening at the other end through set-pieces and counter-attacks.
Vini Jr, Cunha and Raphinha have all been involved early on, and the Selecao are certainly not out of this yet.
It feels like we’ve got a great second half in store!
HALF-TIME! Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:01 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:55 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle and brings the first half to an end in Foxborough.
Kylian Mbappe has moved to within one goal of France’s all-time goalscoring record and it’s his goal that has France in the lead at the break.
It’s been a remarkably entertaining game for a friendly, so we’ll hope for more of the same at the Gillette Stadium!
Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:53 , Chris Wilson45 +2 mins
It’s become fairly stop-start as France look to close out the half, and Gusto does well to win a free-kick from Raphinha.
Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:51 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Into the first of three minutes of added time at the Gillette Stadium.
Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:49 , Chris Wilson43 mins
Great build-up again from France as Dembele finds Olise in the box. The Bayern winger turns and picks out Mbappe on the left flank, but the Madrid man curls an effort well wide.
Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:47 , Chris Wilson41 mins
Chances for Brazil! Firstly, Rabiot is back well as the last man to clip away Vini Jr’s through ball before Cunha could volley it in.
Casemiro then heads over at the far post from the corner.
Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:44 , Chris Wilson38 mins
Brazil think they should have a free-kick as Wesley is clipped near the box, before Casemiro drags his own shot wide from distance.
The Brazil captain is then booked for remonstrating with the referee.
Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:43 , Chris Wilson37 mins
More lovely football from France. They work it well on the edge of the box before Tchouameni slides in a pass to Mbappe.
He takes a first-time shot on the swivel but it’s wide of the far post.
Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:42 , Chris Wilson35 mins
Half a chance to reply right away as Cunha lines up an effort from distance, but he curls it wide.
Moments earlier, Hernandez had a decent opening near the edge of the box but he dragged an effort wide when he probably should have passed.
GOAL! Brazil 0-1 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:40 , Chris Wilson32 mins
GOAL! Oh wow! Out of nowhere, France show exactly why they’re one of the favourites for this summer’s World Cup.
They win the ball high and within an instant Dembele slides it through to Mbappe, who has far too much pace for Bremer and Pereira.
He races clean through before chipping a lovely finish that leaves Ederson in no man’s land.
Brazil 0-0 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:36 , Chris Wilson30 mins
First yellow of the day as Leo Pereira goes flying in late on Olise. It’s a free-kick around 25 yards out on the wing, but it’s headed away before Ekitike is unable to control Dembele’s follow-up cross.
Brazil 0-0 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:33 , Chris Wilson27 mins
Gabriel Martinelli hasn’t really been able to get involved so far this evening as he leads the line for Brazil. Perhaps a bit of a strange decision considering Joao Pedro has been doing fairly well for Chelsea of late.
He soon gets his first involvement though, as Vini Jr lays it off to him and he cuts inside before rifling an effort narrowly wide of the post!
Brazil 0-0 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:31 , Chris Wilson25 mins
Back underway after the cooling break!
Brazil 0-0 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:30 , Chris Wilson22 mins
There’s a brief cooling break here as both teams settle into what will be the routine for the summer’s World Cup.
A time for both managers to take stock too. You’d imagine Ancelotti and Deschamps will both be happy so far, though the Brazil manager might want his side to take a bit more control in possession.
For France, they just need the final ball to click in attack.
Brazil 0-0 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:26 , Chris Wilson19 mins
Both sides have settled well here but its the French who are dominant in possession, while Brazil have mainly had to settle for dangerous counter-attacks.
There’s another opening for Les Bleus as Ekitike beats his man in the box. He hangs up a cross to the back post but there’s no one arriving to tap it in.
Brazil 0-0 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:22 , Chris Wilson16 mins
Plenty of talent on the pitch and it’s making for some lovely passing combinations so far. The latest sees Mbappe trying o thread through Ekitike in the box, but Leo Pereira read it well.
Moments before, Casemiro had played a lovely long ball to release Raphinha, but he made a hash of the cross.
Brazil 0-0 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:18 , Chris Wilson12 mins
Brazil might be the ‘worse’ team on paper but they move the ball very well when they get the chance.
Mbappe’s flick is intercepted and the Selecao put a slick counter together, though it ends with Raphinha’s cross being put behind for a corner.
Nothing comes of the set-piece though.
Brazil 0-0 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:16 , Chris Wilson10 mins
First dangerous free-kick of the game as Wesley drags down Ekitike.
Olise delivers a decent ball across to the back post but Rabiot bundles it wide.
Brazil 0-0 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:14 , Chris Wilson7 mins
An easy enough corner for France as Konate picks out Mbappe and he wins the set-piece off Bremer.
However, Ekitike loses the ball near the box and Brazil counter.
Cunha carries the ball into the France half and finds Vini Jr on the left. The Man Utd forward wants the return pass but Vinicius opts to try and shoot, and it’s blocked by Upamecano.
End-to-end at the start in Foxborough!
Brazil 0-0 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:12 , Chris Wilson5 mins
Oh, half a chance for Brazil! France are caught napping and Casemiro pings a free-kick into the path of Raphinha.
He’s under pressure from Konate and he ends up blazing a half-volley over.
Brazil 0-0 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:10 , Chris Wilson3 mins
France are already venturing forward to good effect, though their first real move ends in Gusto’s cross being headed behind, and Les Bleus can’t make anything of the corner.
KICK-OFF! Brazil 0-0 France
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:06 , Chris WilsonA bit of a delay before kick-off but we’re finally underway in a clash between two international giants!
Just 77 days until the World Cup gets started, with the Gillette Stadium hosting several games including Scotland’s opener on 13 June.
Brazil vs France LIVE
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:55 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are gathering in the tunnel at the Gillette Stadium, so we should be underway soon in Foxborough!
Brazil vs France LIVE
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:50 , Chris Wilson
When is Brazil vs France?
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:45 , Chris WilsonJust five minutes until the coverage starts on ITV4, so here’s a reminder of how you can watch tonight’s game...
Brazil vs France is due to kick off at 8pm GMT (4pm local) on Thursday 26 March at Gillette Stadium in Boston.
How can I watch it?
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on ITV4 and streamed on ITVX.
Coverage starts at 7:50pm.
What have the managers said?
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:40 , Chris WilsonAnd here are the pre-match quotes from France manager Didier Deschamps:
“Brazil has always been one of the great nations on the global stage, with many World Cup wins, even though they lost in 1998!
“But in 2002, they were world champions, with so many great players. Now they have a coach I know well since I had him, even for a short time, but he was coach of Juventus for a short time [between 1999 and 2001].
“When France faces Brazil, it is always a special moment. I know for my players, having spoken with a few of them. It’s Brazil, it speaks to everyone because it is also the land of football,” he added.
Previous meetings: Brazil 0-1 France, World Cup 2006
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:35 , Chris WilsonAnother World Cup meeting, and more heartache for Brazil, who crashed out at the quarter-finals in 2006, four years on from winning in style in 2002.
This was not a team short on talent considering it boasted the likes of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka and Adriano, but once again Les Bleus managed to mastermind a win when it mattered on their way to the 2006 final.
In the end, a man-of-the-match performance from Zinedine Zidane and a great volley from Thierry Henry were enough to steer France into the semi-finals, though the tournament was to end badly for the side as Zidane was sent off for his infamous headbutt and they lost on penalties to Italy in the final!
What have the managers said?
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:30 , Chris WilsonHere’s an extract from what Carlo Ancelotti said on today’s opponents in his pre-match press conference.
“Over the last few months, we’ve been thinking about what the best game model for the team is, the characteristics. We think the best game model is four players up front, and tomorrow is the same,” he said.
“We want to play a good game, control the game, and obviously trying to do both things well – defend well, and to play well with the ball,” he added.
France team news
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:22 , Chris WilsonFor France, Deschamps has made eight changes to the side that beat Azerbaijan 3-1 in their final World Cup qualifier in November. In goal, Mike Maignan returns in place of Lucas Chevalier, while in defence Lucas Hernandez drops out in favour of Dayot Upamecano.
In midfield, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Kephren Thuram are replaced by Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot, while there’s a new quartet in attack: Rayan Cherki, Michael Olise and Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele, plus Kylian Mbappe leading the line.
France line-up
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:17 , Chris WilsonFrance XI: Maignan; Gusto, Konate, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Ekitike; Mbappe.
Subs: Samba, Chevalier, Digne, L. Hernandez, Kalulu, Camavinga, Thuram, Kolo Muani, Kante, Lacroix, Zaire-Emery, Doue, Ekitike, Alkiouche.
Brazil vs France LIVE
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:11 , Chris Wilson
Previous meetings: France 3-0 Brazil, World Cup 1998
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:06 , Chris WilsonBy far the most famous meeting between these two sides came in the 1998 World Cup final, which was held at the Stade de France in Paris.
A Brazil side containing the likes of Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos were favourites ahead of the showpiece event, though their were doubts over the fitness of star man Ronaldo ahead of kick-off.
Though the 1997 Ballon d’Or winner was eventually restored to the starting line-up ahead of the game, neither he nor his teammates could click on the day, with Les Bleus running out 3-0 winners.
Two first-half goals from Zinedine Zidane effectively decided the game, the mercurial midfielder scoring two rare headers in the biggest game of his career.
Arsenal duo Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit combined to add a third late on, with France landing their first ever World Cup trophy.
Team news
Thursday 26 March 2026 18:50 , Chris WilsonFrench team news is a matter of moments away...
Vestiaire prêt. Nouveau maillot prêt. Et vous ? 💙
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) March 26, 2026
🇧🇷 Brésil 🆚 France 🇫🇷
⏰ Coup d’envoi à 21h00 sur TF1 ! pic.twitter.com/BthElo02a2
Team news
Thursday 26 March 2026 18:45 , Chris WilsonFor Brazil, Ancelotti has made eight changes to the starting line-up from their kast friendly, which was a 1-1 draw with Tunisia. Ederson replaces Bento in goal, while the entire back four is changed, with Wesley, Bremer, Leo Pereira and Douglas Santos coming in.
Casemiro keeps his place in midfield but he is partnered by Andrey Santos, who comes in for the injured Bruno Guimaraes. In attack, Rodrygo and Estevao make way for Raphinha and Gabriel Martinelli, with the latter seemingly leading the line.
Team news
Thursday 26 March 2026 18:40 , Chris WilsonWe’d expect the French line-up to drop any time from now, so here’s a quick reminder of their early team news...
France have lost their key Arsenal defender in William Saliba due to injury, with Jules Kounde also out with a hamstring strain. Captain Kylian Mbappe looks set to be involved.
Brazil line-up
Thursday 26 March 2026 18:35 , Chris WilsonBrazil XI: Ederson; Wesley, Bremer, Leo Pereira, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Andrey Santos; Raphinha, Cunha, Vini Jr; Martinelli.
Subs: Souza, Bento, Danilo, Ibanez, Bruno, Santos, Fabinho, Sara, Pedro, Endrick, Enrique, Thiago, Rayan.
BRASIL DEFINIDO! 🇧🇷
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) March 26, 2026
Confira os 11 nomes escalados pelo Mister para enfrentar a França nesta quinta (26), às 17h (Brasília).
📺 TV GLOBO / SporTV / GE TV
🏟️ GILETTE STADIUM
VAMOS JUNTOS, VAMOS BRASIL! 🫵 pic.twitter.com/L4OO0Nl8HW
Head-to-head
Thursday 26 March 2026 18:30 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have faced off 12 times in the past, with France winning five, Brazil winning four and three ending as draws.
The most famous game between the two was of course the 1998 World Cup final, which France won 3-0 in Paris.
Eight years later, Les Blues got one over on Brazil once again, winning the 2006 World Cup quarter-final thanks to a goal from Thierry Henry.
Kylian Mbappe insists his knee injury is ‘truly behind me’ ahead of World Cup
Thursday 26 March 2026 18:20 , Chris WilsonKylian Mbappe has declared his troublesome left knee is now fully recovered, offering a significant boost to France's World Cup preparations.
The Real Madrid striker, who has been eased back into action as a substitute in his club's recent fixtures, has now joined his national teammates ahead of two friendly matches in the United States this week.
Speaking to French media on Monday evening at a promotional event, Mbappe reflected on the challenging period of his injury.
Kylian Mbappe insists his knee injury is ‘truly behind me’ ahead of World Cup
International break: World Cup qualifying semi-finals
Thursday 26 March 2026 18:12 , Chris WilsonThis match between two heavyweights might be a headliner of the international break, but there are several very important World Cup qualifying games taking place this evening too.
Games in European qualifying tonight include:
Wales vs Bosnia & Herzegovina - 7.45pm (follow our live blog here)
Italy vs Northern Ireland - 7.45pm
Denmark vs North Macedonia
Czechia vs Republic of Ireland - 7.45pm (follow our live blog here)
Ukraine vs Sweden
Poland vs Albania
Turkiye vs Romania
Slovakia vs Kosovo
Zinedine Zidane ‘agrees to replace Didier Deschamps as France manager’
Thursday 26 March 2026 18:05 , Chris WilsonSome potentially big news for the FFF from earlier this week...
French football legend Zinedine Zidane has reportedly agreed to become the next head coach of the national team, taking the reins after this summer's FIFA World Cup.
According to ESPN, the 53-year-old is understood to have reached a verbal agreement with the Federation Francaise de Football (FFF) to succeed Didier Deschamps, who has held the managerial position since 2012.
Zidane, a revered figure in French football, previously managed La Liga giants Real Madrid across two spells between 2016-18 and 2019-21. His eventual appointment to lead the national side has long been anticipated.
Zinedine Zidane ‘agrees to replace Didier Deschamps as France manager’
Brazil vs France: A history in pictures
Thursday 26 March 2026 17:57 , Chris Wilson
When is Brazil vs France?
Thursday 26 March 2026 17:50 , Chris WilsonBrazil vs France is due to kick off at 8pm GMT (4pm local) on Thursday 26 March at Gillette Stadium in Boston.
How can I watch it?
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on ITV4 and streamed on ITVX.
Coverage starts at 7:50pm.
Predicted line-ups
Thursday 26 March 2026 17:45 , Chris WilsonBrazil XI: Ederson; Wesley, Bremer, Marquinhos, D. Santos; Raphinha, Casemiro, A. Santos, Vinicius Jr; Cunha, Pedro
France XI: Maignan; Gusto, Konate, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Cherki, Mbappe; Dembele
Team news
Thursday 26 March 2026 17:40 , Chris WilsonSimilarly, France have lost their key Arsenal defender in William Saliba due to injury, with Jules Kounde also out with a hamstring strain. Captain Kylian Mbappe looks set to be involved.
Team news
Thursday 26 March 2026 17:37 , Chris WilsonArsenal centre back Gabriel Magalhaes withdrew from the squad in a blow for Carlo Ancelotti, while Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is also unavailable. Neymar was not called-up while Igor Thiago will be hoping to obtain his first cap after impressing at Brentford.
Brazil vs France LIVE
Thursday 26 March 2026 17:32 , Chris WilsonBrazil take on France in a high-profile friendly in Boston on Thursday - three months out from the 2026 World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil only finished fifth in their World Cup qualifying group, with Ancelotti joining last summer and replacing Dorival Junior. They will face Scotland, Morocco and Haiti in their group this summer.
2018 World Cup winners France, and 2022 finalists, breezed to top spot in their qualifying group with Ukraine, Iceland and Azerbaijan. Didier Deschamps’ side will face Norway, Senegal and a play-off side this summer.
The last time these two met was 2015 in a friendly, with Brazil winning 3-1. The 1998 final is, of course, their most memorable meeting, with France winning 3-0.
Good evening
Thursday 26 March 2026 17:28 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live blog coverage of tonight’s friendly between Brazil and France in Boston.
Two footballing giants face off in a World Cup host city just three months before the tournament kicks off in June, and while both of these sides will harbour hopes of winning the biggest prize in the sport come July, the first task at hand is for their respective managers to decide their squads.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Vinicius Jr could be involved tonight, as a raft of players look to impress Didier Deschamps and Carlo Ancelotti in the last bath of fixtures before the squads are decided.
And we’ll have all the latest build-up, team news and updates from the game right here.
