7M - Friendly Internationals Preview: Brazil vs France - prediction, team news, lineups

Match preview

International football heavyweights Brazil and France are set for a blockbuster friendly at the Gillette Stadium this Thursday, serving as a high-stakes dress rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, the Selecao are looking to find their rhythm after a turbulent qualifying campaign that saw them finish a disappointing fifth in the CONMEBOL standings. While Brazil recently secured narrow wins over African opposition, their defensive consistency remains a primary concern as they prepare to face the world’s most potent attack.

France arrives in Massachusetts in imperious form, having breezed through their UEFA qualifying section with near-perfect statistics. This international window marks the beginning of the end for Didier Deschamps's legendary tenure, as he prepares to hand over the reins to Zinedine Zidane following the summer’s showpiece event. With captain Kylian Mbappe in clinical form and Les Bleus boasting superior depth across all departments, the 2022 finalists enter this contest as slight favorites in what many believe could be a preview of the tournament final.

Team News

Brazil boss Ancelotti is dealing with a defensive crisis following the withdrawals of Gabriel Magalhaes and Alisson Becker due to injury. In their absence, Bremer is expected to partner Marquinhos in central defense, while Ederson starts between the sticks. Ancelotti has also made the bold call to omit Neymar, instead handing opportunities to Premier League breakout stars Igor Thiago and Rayan.

France has been hit by the loss of William Saliba, meaning Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano are likely to form the defensive spine. The headline story remains Kylian Mbappe, who sits just two goals shy of Olivier Giroud’s all-time record. He is expected to lead an attacking quartet featuring Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, and the in-form Rayan Cherki.

We say: Brazil 1-3 France

While Brazil’s flair can never be discounted, their current defensive vulnerabilities may struggle to contain a French side that thrives on rapid transitions. Expect Mbappe to make history in a high-scoring affair that highlights the current gap between the two nations.