Kylian Mbappe came within one goal of matching France’s all-time scoring record by netting the opener in a 2-1 victory over Brazil during a high-profile friendly held in the United States on Thursday. Mbappe skillfully chipped the ball past goalkeeper Ederson shortly after the 30-minute mark at Gillette Stadium near Boston, the home ground of the NFL’s New England Patriots.
France, winners of the 2018 World Cup and runners-up in 2022, faced adversity when defender Dayot Upamecano was shown a red card early in the second half. Nevertheless, they maintained composure and extended their lead through Hugo Ekitike’s goal in the 65th minute. Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, managed to pull one back with 12 minutes remaining via a close-range finish from Juventus defender Gleison Bremer, but France held on to secure the win. This result provides a morale boost with just over two months remaining before the World Cup kicks off.
France’s group stage opponents will include Senegal, Norway, and a play-off winner. Mbappe reflected on the match, noting that while it was not the World Cup final, the team’s performance demonstrated positive momentum. He highlighted the creation of numerous chances and improved defensive solidity, despite conceding late.
Mbappe’s goal is particularly encouraging for coach Didier Deschamps, as the Real Madrid forward recently returned from a three-week absence due to a knee injury. At 27 years old, Mbappe has now scored 56 goals in 95 appearances for France, just one shy of Olivier Giroud’s national record of 57 goals. He will have the opportunity to equal or surpass this milestone when France face Colombia in their next friendly at Northwest Stadium near Washington DC on Sunday.
Brazil enter this year’s World Cup aiming to secure a record sixth title, with Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti in their group. The appointment of Ancelotti as coach has raised hopes of a strong campaign. After the match, Ancelotti described his feelings as “half-satisfied,” emphasizing that while the result was disappointing, the team showed competitiveness and resilience, including scoring from a set piece.
Brazil’s squad for this friendly was missing several key players, including goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Eder Militao, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, and forwards Rodrygo and Estevao. France, on the other hand, were without Arsenal centre-back William Saliba but fielded a potent attack featuring Mbappe, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele, the current Ballon d’Or holder. Dembele provided the assist for Mbappe’s opening goal, which separated the teams at halftime.
Upamecano’s red card came in the 55th minute after American referee Guido Gonzales upgraded a yellow card to red following a VAR review. The decision was based on Upamecano denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity by fouling Brazil’s Wesley near the penalty area. Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, a late replacement for the injured Saliba, made his debut by coming on for Dembele to strengthen the French defense.
France then increased their advantage when Olise set up Ekitike, who skillfully chipped the ball over Ederson for his second international goal. Both Mbappe and Ekitike were substituted soon after, leaving Brazil with a challenging task. Despite Bremer’s late goal assisted by Luiz Henrique, Brazil could not find an equalizer. Ancelotti now looks ahead to Brazil’s next friendly against Croatia in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday, hoping for a stronger performance.
