Mbappé Magic: 10-Man France stuns Brazil 2-1

France edged out Brazil 2-1 in a thrilling international friendly yesterday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, USA, serving as a key World Cup 2026 tune-up. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a clinical finish, putting Les Bleus ahead before halftime.

Key Moments

France’s Dayot Upamecano was sent off in the 55th minute after a VAR review upgraded his yellow to red for denying a goalscoring chance, leaving them with 10 men. Hugo Ekitike doubled the lead in the 65th minute, assisted by Michael Olise on a swift counter. Brazil pulled one back late through Bremer’s 78th-minute header from Luiz Henrique’s cross, but France held firm despite late pressure from Vinícius Júnior.

Match Impact

Played before a 66,215-strong crowd largely backing Brazil, the win highlights France’s resilience and form ahead of the World Cup, while Brazil searches for rhythm. Mbappé’s influence was pivotal, exiting shortly after the second goal.