Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 25th March 2026, 9:03 AM
Brazil and France, two of football’s World Cup favourites, will clash in a high-profile friendly in the United States this week, providing both nations with a valuable test ahead of the summer tournament.
With the World Cup less than three months away, the teams—ranked fifth and third in the FIFA world rankings respectively—will meet on Thursday at Gillette Stadium in Boston, home of NFL side New England Patriots. This marks the first encounter between the sides in 11 years, following Brazil’s 3-1 comeback victory at the Stade de France in 2015, courtesy of goals from Oscar, Neymar, and Luiz Gustavo.
| Team | Coach | FIFA Ranking | Last Competitive Match | Key Absentees | Players to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Carlo Ancelotti | 5 | 2022 WC QF vs Croatia (lost) | Neymar, Alisson Becker, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bruno Guimaraes | Vinicius Junior, Rayan (19, uncapped) |
| France | Didier Deschamps | 3 | 2006 WC QF vs Brazil (won 1-0) | William Saliba | Kylian Mbappe, Maxence Lacroix |
Brazil endured a turbulent South American qualifying campaign, finishing fifth with six defeats from 18 matches. The appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as head coach aims to reinvigorate the squad and give them a credible chance at a record-extending sixth World Cup, their first since 2002.
Neymar, 34, has been absent since October 2023 due to physical concerns. Ancelotti explained:
“It is a physical issue, not technical. With the ball he is excellent, but he is not at 100 percent. He needs to continue working to regain full fitness.”
In Neymar’s absence, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior leads the Brazilian attack. Also in the squad is 19-year-old Rayan, uncapped but impressing for Bournemouth in the Premier League since his January transfer from Vasco da Gama. Brazil will next face Croatia on 31 March in Orlando, a rematch of their 2022 World Cup quarter-final elimination.
For France, attention centres on Kylian Mbappe, who has returned from a knee injury and is eager to play. The 27-year-old striker told reporters:
“I followed a strict protocol and gradually returned to play. I hope to contribute during this international break and start being decisive again.”
France have also adjusted their squad, calling up Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix to replace injured Arsenal centre-back William Saliba. Didier Deschamps will conclude his 14-year tenure as head coach after the World Cup, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over.
Historically, France and Brazil have delivered memorable clashes, including the 2006 World Cup quarter-final, which France won 1-0 thanks to Thierry Henry and Zidane’s commanding presence. Should both teams advance as anticipated, a World Cup final showdown remains a tantalising possibility. Thursday’s friendly offers a first glimpse at their preparations and World Cup ambitions.
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