Brazil vs France summary: stats, scores and highlights | International friendly

Killer Kylian

Kylian Mbappé (right) celebrates after scoring France's opening goal in today's 2-1 win over Brazil.

Mbappé's 56th goal for France, it leaves him one behind the team's all-time highest scorer, Olivier Giroud.

International soccer

Colombia vs Croatia: How to watch the “Road to 26” friendly match played at Camping World Stadium

The second of today's “Road to 26” games is approaching kickoff: in Orlando, Colombia and Croatia go head to head at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Find out where you can tune in to that game in our guide on how to watch.

"Road to 26" - the full schedule

Both of those games are also part of the “Road to 26” series of World Cup warm-ups in the U.S.

The “Road to 26” slate in full is:

Mar. 26: Brazil 1-2 France

Mar. 26: Colombia vs Croatia

Mar. 29: France vs Colombia

Mar. 31: Croatia vs Brazil

Mar. 31: Scotland vs Ivory Coast

Jun. 6: Brazil vs Egypt

Find out more on the “Road to 26” website.

What's next for France and Brazil?

Having beaten the Brazilians, France now move on to a friendly against Colombia in Landover, Maryland. That game takes place on Sunday, Mar. 29, with kickoff at Northwest Stadium scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET.

As for Brazil, they'll bid to return to winning ways in a friendly against Croatia - the team that knocked them out of the 2022 World Cup. That game takes place in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday, Mar. 31. Kickoff at Camping World Stadium is at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Brazil's Bremer cuts a picture of dejection after his low ball into the box eluded both Igor Thiago and Vinícius Júnior.

Peeep peeep peeep! France are victorious, despite playing much of the second half with 10 men.

Two dinked finishes by Kylian Mbappé and Hugo Ekitiké win it for Les Bleus.

Brazil were livelier in the second half, thanks chiefly to the impact made by substitute Luiz Henrique. Bremer pulled one back for the Seleçao, but they could not find an equalizer.

That's eight games without defeat for the French, who've won seven of those games. For Brazil, it's now three defeats and just two wins in the last six.

One more chance for Brazil to come forward...

But they lose the ball almost as quickly as they recover it, and that'll be that!

Forward come Brazil, in desperate search of a late leveller.

Sara clips it into the box, but it's cleared. A moment later, however, Bremer pings in a ball that flies diagonally across goal... and neither Igor Thiago nor Vinícius can get a boot to it!

Had they got a touch, it was surely 2-2. 

Akliouche immediately earns himself a yellow card, for taking too long to take a free-kick.

Once he does deliver the dead ball into the box, it's an inch-perfect pass to nobody in particular.

Pierre Kalulu and Maghnes Akliouche are on for Olise and Gusto.

There will be seven minutes of time added on in Foxborough.

A couple of substitutions for France...

At the other end, Bremer is so close to volleying in another!

Once more, it's substitute Luiz Henrique who pops up with some very bright play. He bursts towards the left-hand byline, before chipping the ball into the middle. 

On the penalty spot, Bremer swings a boot at it, but it flashes just past the post!

That's good play by Kanté, who almost slips Malo Gusto in for a third for France. Kanté's ball is fizzed into the area, where Ederson is off his line to sweep up the danger.

Back come Brazil. 

Vinícius has space to run towards the byline and cross... but he runs towards the byline with a touch too much enthusiasm. The ball rolls behind before he can get his boot to it, and that'll be a French goal-kick.

Time running out for Brazil here.

That's Casemiro's final contribution. He's withdrawn for Galatasaray's Gabriel Sara, who makes his Brazil debut.

Can Brazil find a second?

They have a chance here, when Danilo swings over a corner. His delivery is right onto the bonce of Casemiro, who is a very useful header of the ball. 

But not this time: His effort loops up and into Maignan's arms.

Right away, there's a significant stoppage when Ibañez clips down Rabiot, who is left in clutching his ankle in some pain. 

It's a booking for the Brazil substitute. Rabiot is finally back up on his feet.

Bremer brings down Doué as the Paris Saint-Germain forward looks to break towards the Brazil box. A richly-deserved yellow.

Vinícius receives on the left, before cutting inside and shifting the ball back onto his right. 

Looking up, he clips a ball into the middle, but France deal with it fairly comfortably.

Brazil had their tails up a few minutes ago, having secured a numerical advantage and had most of the play since the break. But the French look much happier with life now.

Unfortuante Upamecano

Dayot Upamecano (right) brings Wesley down - a foul that earned the defender a red card.

Konaté goes into the book, for a foul on Joao Pedro.

Play is about to get back underway. But first, Brazil are going to make a triple substitution.

Igor Thiago, Danilo Santos and Roger Ibañez are on; Wesley, Cunha and Andrey Santos are off.

Cooling-break time.

Three-quarters of the game gone. Can Brazil find a way back into this? For much of this second half, it had looked like they would do just that. But, one brutally effective France attack later, Ancelotti's men find themselves two down.

That's Ekitiké's final involvement. He's replaced, as is Mbappé.

On come Desiré Doué and Marcus Thuram.

Here's that Brazil change: Joao Pedro is on for the Seleçao, with Martinelli replaced.

It's all Brazil now; France are having a veritable 'mare of a second half.

On the left, Casemiro plays no-look pass into Douglas's run into the box. It's a really decent position to cross; Konaté has to look alive to block.

Brazil are preparing a substitution of their own: Chelsea's Joao Pedro is readying himself for action.

Changes for France. Maxence Lacroix is on to fill an Upamecano-shaped hole in the French defense, with Dembélé making way. N'Golo Kanté is also on, for Tchouaméni.

That's a France debut for Lacroix.

What can Brazil do with the free-kick?

Diddly-squat, that's what. Léo Pereira stands over the dead ball, on the right-hand corner of the box. He strokes a left-footed effort towards goal, but it's easy for Maignan. The France keeper grabs hold.

Yes indeed. Guido Gonzales watches the incident back on the monitor, and decides that's a sending-off for Upamecano! France are down to 10 men!

Les Bleus were the better team in the opening half - but this second 45 has not gone well for them thus far.

Brazil have really come alive in these opening few minutes of the half.

Again the danger is down the right. Wesley is too quick for Upamecano, who drags the Brazilian down before he can advance into the box.

Upamecano is shown a yellow... but the referee is called over to the monitor! Upamecano could walk here; he was, probably, the last man.

Yep, Luiz Henrique has made a real difference.

Collecting the ball on the left, he puts his head down and sets off towards the France box.  Once in shooting range, shoot he does: he slaps a powerful effort towards Maignan's far corner, forcing a decent stop from the keeper.

The loose ball then falls to Casemiro, who sidefoots an effort well over the bar.

This is better from Brazil. Again Casemiro is involved: from the left-hand corner of the box, he works it into Martinelli.

Martinelli shoots... but it's deflected wide!

That's bright play by Luiz Henrique. Receiving on the right, he barrels his way into the France box, before clipping it on to Martinelli.

Martinelli sees Vinícius in space on the left, and tries to play it to him. But Casemiro thinks it's for him, sticks his leg out, and can't control. Chance lost.

Right away, Brazil get Wesley into a good position to cross from the right. 

His delivery is rank. Into the side-netting. He holds his hand up in apology, and well he might.

Peeeep! Guido Gonzales gets the second half going.

Luiz Henrique on the for Brazil

Ah, hold on, I tell a lie. Raphinha is leaving us, to be replaced by Luiz Henrique.

And here come the Brazilians... who also appear, at first sight, to be the same 11.

Here come the teams...

Players are emerging from the tunnel at Gillette Stadium; let's see if there are any half-time changes.

Only France are out so far, and Didier Deschamps' men appear to be unchanged. 

Premier League

MLS move could be on the cards for Casemiro

Also courtesy of Joe Brennan, who has been a busy boy: Having already announced he's leaving Manchester United this summer, Casemiro could be on his way to Major League Soccer.

Check out the full story.

Soccer

Real Madrid star Mbappé reportedly set to leave multi-million dollar deal with two huge names circling

On the subject of Mbappé - he's reportedly on the verge of a major off-the-field switch.

My colleague Joe Brennan has the full lowdown on that one.

Magical Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé dinks the ball past Ederson to give France the lead in Foxborough.

International soccer

From Pelé to Henry, via THAT Ronaldo seizure: Every Brazil vs France matchup at the World Cup

Some half-time reading for you: We take a look back at every World Cup meeting between Brazil and France, two teams that have been central characters in the tournament's 96-year story.

Peeep peeep peeep! That's half time at Gillette Stadium.

The Brazil players surround the referee, giving him a piece of their collective mind over some sort of perceived grievance. They'd be better of getting back into the locker room and discussing how they're going to turn this around. Martinelli came close just after the cooling break - but otherwise, France have been the better team.

Raphinha fouls Malo Gusto, before giving Guido Gonzales an earful. The Barça man looks very frustrated. Brazil are about to head into the break behind to a France team that has been superior.

On the right, Wesley flops to the turf under Theo Hernández's challenge. A free-kick to Brazil, who work it to Casemiro; he, in turn, tries to loft it into Raphinha's run into the box. He can't find him.

There'll be three minutes of time added on at Gillette Stadium.

Back come France, Mbappé releasing Rabiot into the box. Rabiot is shepherded wide by Léo Pereira, however, and the chance is lost.

Again France get Mbappé into a shooting position.

It's sharp play from Olise, who collects at the top of the box - and quickly slips it left to Mbappé. The striker takes a touch to steady himself, before trying to whip it across Ederson and into the far corner. He doesn't get the direction quite right; it flies past the far post and out for a goal-kick.

That Mbappé goal, by the way, was his 56th for France. He's now just one shy of Olivier Giroud's scoring record for Les Bleus.

Casemiro gives the referee an absolute earful. He's rewarded with a yellow card.

The midfielder had the hump because he thought he should have had a corner, but wasn't given one. Having shot from 20 yards or so, it seemed that Maignan might have palmed it wide... but the officials gave a goal-kick.

Now Mbappé is just off target. On the right-hand side of the Brazil box, he spins and shoots - but his low strike flies just past the upright.

That's a decent effort from Matheus Cunha, a player I must say I have something of a soft spot for.

On the left, Vinícius receives, before feeding the ball inside to Cunha, who has peeled off into shooting space.

Cunha tries to curl a shot into Maignan's left-hand top corner, but is just off target.

Can Brazil respond right away?

The Seleçao win a free-kick on the right, in swing-it-into-the-mixer territory.

Martinelli delivers... but it's a cross that's not troubling anyone. France clear.

Kylian Mbappé controls the ball, with Brazil defender Wesley close behind him.

Brazil's debutant Léo Pereira gets the first yellow card of the game, for chopping down Olise on the right wing. It's the dictionary definition of a bookable offense.

Olise sends in the free-kick, but Brazil clear.

That's the best chance yet, and we can chalk it up to Brazil's Gabriel Martinelli.

France lose it inside their own half, and are so nearly punished for their carelessness. Vinícius immediately springs into action, scampering towards the French area.

Vinícius then feeds Martinelli, who cuts inside, across the top of the box. Having carved out a yard to wrap his left boot around a shot, he does just that. It flies just past Maignan's right-hand post.

A let-off for France, that.

Cooling break now over, we're back underway at Gillette Stadium.

World Cup 2026

Brazil unveils its World Cup 2026 jersey

And in the interests of balance, this is the lowdown on Brazil's new shirts, with thanks to my colleagues Juan Lopesino and Calum Roche.

World Cup 2026

France unveils its World Cup 2026 jersey

Some cooling-break reading for you: Courtesy of my colleague Andy Hall, this is the full story on France's new kits for the World Cup.

We're going to have a cooling break.

Ancelotti and his backroom team, including Paul Clement and son Davide, are seen deep in conversation.

Midway point of the first half; France have had most of the ball, but nobody has yet done much of note with it.

Again France pick it up inside the Brazil half. Ekitiké tries to ping a ball into Dembélé at the top of the Brazilian area, but the Ballon d'Or holder can't control.

For a good minute or two, France keep it inside the Brazil half. They do very little with it - and indeed, almost gift Vinícius a chance to break, when an ill-advised square ball flies just an inch or so clear of the Real Madrid forward's toes.

Finally, Etikiké delivers a looping cross from the left; it's a less than enticing ball, and leads to zip.

I just can't get used to watching Brazil vs France in these colors. It offends my eyes.

Today's referee, incidentally, is the American official Guido Gonzales.

Brazil are certainly getting some early joy out of lumping balls over the top towards Raphinha.

Once again, the former Leeds man receives a long pass in space, with men accompanying him on his forward charge.

But he does absolutely nowt with it. Martinelli peels off towards the top of the box, where Raphinha tries to find him. He doesn't find him.

Back come Brazil, Wesley releasing Raphinha into space on the right. But when the Barcelona forward tries to cut it back into the area, with men waiting in the middle, Konaté is there to deal with it.

Having dealt with that opening forward foray by Vinícius, France win a free-kick on the left, in a very inviting area.

Olise delivers to the back stick... but Rabiot can't turn it goalwards. It drops behind for a Brazil goal-kick.

There's another very decent attacking opportunity for Brazil. 

Working it to the left, the Seleçao give Vinícius his first real chance to run at the French backline. With the decibels noticeably rising inside Gillette Stadium, Vinícius does indeed run at the French backline - but is dispossessed on the edge of Les Bleus' box.

Ah, I stand corrected on the color of that France kit. It is supposed to represent the green-ish shade of rusted copper - a nod to the Statue of Liberty, which was a present to the U.S. from France.

Just as I say the French have made a good start, Brazil create the best chance of the game thus far. Samba football it is not.

Standing over a free-kick deep inside the Brazil half, Casemiro hoofs a long ball over the top of the France defense, which inexplicably leaves Raphinha free to run in behind them and collect it.

Having brought it under his control, however, Raphinha shanks it high over the bar.

It's all France ball in these opening stages in Foxborough.

On the right, Camavinga releases Malo Gusto to scamper towards the byline and plop a cross into the center. Brazil have to look alive to clear it behind for a corner.

The corner comes to nought, but it's a promising start for the French.

Olise is at the center of the game's first moment of attacking danger.

Receiving inside the Brazil half, the Bayern Munich forward carries it towards the edge of the area, where he starts to lift his leg back to pull the trigger. But Casemiro gets a leg in to sweep the ball away from Olise.

Peeeeep! We're underway.

Blues against yellows...?

Both teams have just brought out new kits, by the way. And, infuriatingly, both are wearing their change uniforms today.

The Brazilians have dropped their traditional yellow to sport a dark blue number that looks more like a France kit. The French, meanwhile, are in a sort of white-to-light-blue-ish jersey.

Final reminder of the teams

Anthems and handshakes done, All that remains is the coin toss, and we'll be underway. Here's a last look at the lineups:

Brazil:

Ederson, Wesley, Bremer, Leó Pereira, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Andrey Santos, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Júnior, Martinelli

France:

Maignan, Gusto, Konaté, Upamecano, T. Hernández, Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Dembélé, Olise, Ekitiké, Mbappé

Out come the teams!

It doesn't look like we'll be starting at 4:00 p.m. on the dot. Just a couple of minutes before hour, the players finally emerge from the tunnel.

Time for the anthems! France first. I have to say I'm rather a fan of both.

Mbappé limbers up

Kylian Mbappé warms up ahead of kickoff at Gillette Stadium.

Soccer

Brazil vs France: How to watch the “Road to 26” friendly match played at Gillette Stadium

By the way, if at this late stage you're still wondering where can you can watch today's game on TV or online, let me point you in the direction of this guide on how to tune in.

International soccer

From Pelé to Henry, via THAT Ronaldo seizure: Every Brazil vs France matchup at the World Cup

That 2006 tie was one of four all-time meetings between the teams at the World Cup, stretching back to the 1958 finals in Sweden.

For a deep dive on the history of Brazil and France's World Cup clashes, might I suggest you take a look at this article.

When was the teams’ last World Cup meeting?

That was 20 years ago, in the 2006 World Cup quarterfinals: Thierry Henry's second-half volley gave France a 1-0 win at Frankfurt's Waldstadion. The French went on to reach the final in Berlin, where they lost on penalties to Italy.

When did France and Brazil last meet?

It's been just over a decade: the teams last faced off in a friendly in Paris in March 2015, Brazil running out 3-1 winners.

Oscar, Neymar and Luis Gustavo scored for the Brazilians, after Raphael Varane had given the hosts the lead. That Paris friendly was one of nine all-time meetings between the teams: France lead the series 4-3, with two draws.

Clubmates turned opponents

Real Madrid players Eduardo Camavinga (left) and Vinícius Júnior, who today will be lining up on opposite sides, share a joke out on the Gillette Stadium field. 

Mbappé close to history

Mbappé, by the way, is just two goals away from equalling Olivier Giroud's record haul for the French men’s national team.

Giroud scored 57 in 137 caps for France; Mbappé is currently on 55 in 94.

Finally!

France have, at last, deigned to furnish us with their lineup. And Kylian Mbappé does indeed start at Gillette Stadium.

Deschamps has gone with: Maignan, Gusto, Konaté, Upamecano, T. Hernández, Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Dembélé, Olise, Ekitiké, Mbappé.

If Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé is in today's France lineup, he'll be making his first start for club or country since February 21. 

The striker has been bothered by a troublesome knee injury, but told reporters on Wednesday: “I’m ready to play, ready to start.”

Check out Mbappé’s pregame comments in full, courtesy of my colleague Joe Brennan.

Still waiting for that France lineup...

With just under half an hour until kickoff, there is still no official word on France's XI.

This is Les Bleus' full squad for this week's friendlies, which includes uncapped Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix. He came in for Arsenal's William Saliba - another Gunners defender who pulled out of this game with an injury.

Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernández, Theo Hernández, Pierre Kalulu, Ibrahima Konaté, Maxence Lacroix, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, N'Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué, Hugo Ekitike, Randal Kolo Muani, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram

After Brazil, what's next for France?

After taking on Brazil, France travel to Maryland for another “Road to 26” clash, against Colombia on Sunday.

As things stand, the French only have one more World Cup tune-up in the calendar: a matchup with the Ivory Coast on June 4.

France

Zidane has made his decision

Zinedine Zidane, who played alongside Deschamps in Les Bleus' 1998 World Cup-winning team, is expected to replace the 57-year-old.

The former Real Madrid boss has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the French Soccer Federation (FFF) to take over. 

Read more.

Deschamps’ final tournament at the helm

At the 2026 World Cup, head coach Didier Deschamps will be taking charge of his final games as France boss. Deschamps confirmed in January 2025 that he would be stepping down after this summer's tournament.

At the helm since 2012, Deschamps led Les Bleus to victory at the 2018 World Cup - becoming only the third man to win the trophy as a player and a coach. (The other two are Mário Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer, should you be wondering.)

At a glance: France's recent form

France's last five results: WWDWW

Nov. 16: Azerbaijan 1-3 France, WCQ
Nov. 13: France 4-0 Ukraine, WCQ
Oct. 13: Iceland 2-2 France, WCQ
Oct. 10: France 3-0 Azerbaijan, WCQ
Sep. 9: France 2-1 Iceland, WCQ

How did France qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

While Brazil struggled their way to the World Cup, France comfortably topped their qualifying group.

Les Bleus finished six points clear of second-placed Ukraine in UEFA qualification Group D, averaging over two and a half goals a game. Didier Deschamps' men failed to win only once.

When Senegal shocked the champs

For the World Cup historians out there, France's opener against Senegal certainly gets the juices flowing. At the 2002 finals, the teams faced off in the tournament’s opening game - and it was a memorable upset.

France, the defending world champions, were beaten 1-0 by Papa Boupa Diop’s 30th-minute goal, scored from precisely an inch out.

The French ultimately tumbled out of that World Cup in the group stage, having collected just a solitary point.

France's World Cup schedule

France open up their 2026 World Cup campaign against Senegal on June 16, at MetLife Stadium

They'll then face one of Bolivia, Iraq or Suriname in Philadelphia six days later, before concluding the group stage against Erling Haaland’s Norway in Foxborough, on June 26.

France will be back at Gillette Stadium this summer

France, meanwhile, are gearing up for their 17th appearance at the World Cup. Les Bleus most recently failed to qualify in 1994 - the last time the finals were held in the U.S.

Didier Deschamps' men have been drawn in Group I, with Norway, Senegal and one other: one of Bolivia, Iraq or Suriname. That trio is to contest the group's final berth in the inter-confederation qualification playoffs.

France are actually set to be based in Massachusetts - will return to Gillette Stadium for their final Group I game.

Three more World Cup warm-ups after France clash

After today's game in Foxborough, the Brazilians head to Orlando, for another “Road to 26” friendly, this time against Croatia on Sunday, March 29.

In two months’ time, the Seleçao then concludes its preparations with friendlies against Panama and Egypt, on May 31 and June 6.

When are Brazil in action in the World Cup?

Seeking their first world title since 2002, Brazil have been drawn into Group C, with Haiti, Morocco and Scotland.

Ancelotti's men open up their campaign on June 13, against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey

They then face Haiti at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on June 19, before heading to Miami to take on the Scots at Hard Rock Stadium on June 24.

"I can’t imagine a World Cup without Neymar"

In a recent interview with Globoesporte, France star Kylian Mbappé offered his two cents' worth on the to-Neymar-or-not-to-Neymar conundrum. 

“Neymar is a fantastic player,” Mbappé said. “The World Cup is the competition of stars. All the stars are there, and for me Neymar is one of the biggest. I can't imagine a World Cup without Neymar. But in the end, I can’t go against my former coach, Ancelotti. I have to respect his decision.”

Check out Mbappé's quotes in full in this article by Juan Lopesino and Calum Roche.

World Cup 2026

Will Neymar play at the 2026 World Cup? Brazil’s March friendlies give a clue but not everyone is convinced

For more on the Neymar situation, check out this piece by my colleague Calum Roche.

No Neymar once more...

There is, of course, once again no Neymar in the Brazil squad. Speaking after his latest omission, the Santos forward told reporters he was “upset and sad”, as his hopes of playing at a fourth World Cup took another blow.

Neymar hasn't played for Brazil since October 2023, and hasn’t been in any of Ancelotti’s squads since the Italian took over.

Speaking as he announced his squad, Ancelotti said Neymar wasn’t fit to play, but didn’t completely close the door on a World Cup berth for Brazil’s record goalscorer. “I haven't called him up because he's not 100 per cent,“ Ancelotti said. ”But for the final [World Cup] squad, that's another story."

Still waiting for France XI

No word yet on the France team, it would appear. But their locker room looks ever so neat and tidy.

Brazil's full roster to face France and Croatia

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, Ederson
Defenders: Bremer, Ibanez, Leo Pereira, Marquinhos, Keiki, Danilo, Douglas Santos, Wesley
Midfielders: Andrey Santos, Casemiro, Danilo, Fabinho, Gabriel Sara
Forwards: Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, João Pedro, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Rayan, Vinícius Júnior

A number of new boys in Brazil ranks

Léo Pereira is one of several players given a maiden Brazil call-up ahead of this week's friendlies against France and Croatia

Ancelotti has also drafted in the uncapped Cruzeiro defender Kaiki, as well as Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara, and two Premier League forwards in Brentford’s Igor Thiago and Bournemouth’s Rayan.

The Brazil boss has had to deal with a few dropouts from the roster he initially named earlier this month - most notably, Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes. The Gunners defender pulled out this week with a knee injury.

Léo's long wait over

Ancelotti has handed a debut to Flamengo defender Léo Pereira - who has had to wait for his Canarinha bow. The center-back turned 30 in January.

Brazil lineup confirmed

We have team news from the Brazilian camp. Ancelotti has gone with: Ederson, Wesley Bremer, Leó Pereira, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Andrey Santos, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Martinelli.

At a glance: Brazil's recent form

Brazil's last five results: DWLWL

Nov. 18: Brazil 1-1 Tunisia, friendly
Nov. 15: Brazil 2-0 Senegal, friendly
Oct. 14: Japan 3-2 Brazil, friendly
Oct. 10: South Korea 0-5 Brazil, friendly
Sep. 9: Bolivia 1-0 Brazil, WCQ

In comes Carlo

It was a little unfair of me to put a picture of Carlo Ancelotti over my earlier post: after all, the Italian only oversaw the team's final four qualifiers. A coach Brazil had been chasing for quite some while, Ancelotti took over at the end of May 2025. 

Under the former Real Madrid boss, Brazil secured their World Cup spot with a 1-0 win over Paraguay last June, but lost their final qualifier in Bolivia - and suffered first ever defeat to Japan in a friendly four months later. In Tokyo in October, the South Americans squandering a 2-0 lead o lose 3-2 to the Samurai Blue.

Historic home loss

Brazil's campaign included a historic 1-0 defeat to Argentina in Rio de Janeiro in November 2023 - the team’s first ever loss in a home World Cup qualifier.

That loss came during a dismal run of four qualifying defeats in five, between October 2023 and September 2024.

Dorival Júnior replaced caretaker boss Fernando Diniz after the home defeat to Brazil, but he was then fired in March 2025. Dorival was dismissed after the Brazilians were thumped 4-1 by Argentina, in the return qualifier in Buenos Aires.

Brazil well adrift of rivals Argentina in CONMEBOL qualifying

In South America's World Cup qualifying tournament - a 10-team, round-robin league - Brazil finished 10 points behind leaders Argentina, the defending world champions.

With six teams qualifying automatically, the Brazilians had to settle for fifth place, after losing six out of their 18 games.

Bungling Brazil

Anyway, to matters in Massachusetts. Brazil are gearing up for their 23rd appearance at the World Cup - a tally that makes the South Americans the only team to have been present at every finals since the tournament’s inception 96 years ago.

However, they did not qualify at all convincingly this time around. Indeed, it was the Seleçao’s worst ever qualification campaign.

International soccer

Colombia vs Croatia: How to watch the “Road to 26” friendly match played at Camping World Stadium

Today's Colombia vs Croatia clash, played at Orlando's Camping World Stadium, follows at 7:30 p.m. ET.

If you'd like to know more about how to watch that game, may I suggest you peruse our match preview.

"Road to 26"

Tonight's game in New England is part of a series of international friendlies being held in the U.S. in the run-up to this summer’s World Cup. Dubbed “Road to 26”, the six-game series also includes today's clash between Colombia and Croatia, played in Orlando, Florida.

And this weekend, the “Road to 26” program of events continues with a Brazil’s matchup with Croatia, and a France meeting with Colombia. Both games are scheduled for Sunday, in Orlando and Landover, respectively.

Brazil vs France: welcome!

Hello there! We have a rather appealing matchup in prospect in Massachusetts tonight. With around two and a half months to go until the World Cup kicks off, Brazil and France meet in a heavyweight tournament tune-up.

Held at Gillette Stadium, the home of NFL powerhouse the New England Patriots, tonight's game pits the record five-time global champions against a French team that has itself won the World Cup twice

Kickoff in Foxborough is at 4:00 p.m. ET - about an hour and a half away. Team news to follow just as soon as it comes in.