Pre-World Cup 2026 friendly: Brazil-France, likely lineups

At Foxborough, Massachusetts, the pre-World Cup 2026 friendly between Brazil and France is staged in the evening at 9 p.m. Italian time. A luxury test between two of the strongest selections in the entire tournament that will kick off from June in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

Brazil and France, seven World Cups won in two, have not faced each other since 2015, a friendly played in Paris and won 3-1 by the Seleçao. As far as official matches are concerned, the Greenoro and Blues have not faced each other since the quarterfinals of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, when the Gallettos won with a goal by Henry.

Carlo Ancelotti wants to bring Brazil back to its former glory: he will rely on Joao Pedro in attack, supported on the three-quarter by Raphinha, Mateus Cunha, and Vinicius. On the eve of the match, there was no shortage of controversy over Neymar’s nonconvocation. In the median is Casemiro with Andrey Santos, the full-backs are Wesley and Douglas Santos.

France, current vice-world champions, is living the last months of the Didier Deschamps era: after the World Cup it will be Zidane who will take his place. It is one of the favorites for the rainbow tournament and presents a respectable lineup. Mbappé, not at his best, sits on the bench, Ekitike plays in attack with Olise, Dembélé, Doué behind him. Maignan in goal, the full-backs will be Malo Gusto and Digne.

Brazil-France, the likely lineups
BRAZIL (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Wesley, Bremer, Danilo, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Andrey Santos; Raphinha, Mateus Cunha, Vinicius; Joao Pedro. Ct: Ancelotti.
FRANCE (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Malo Gusto, Konaté, Upamecano, Digne; Tchouameni, Kanté; Olise, Dembélé, Doué; Ekitiké. Ct: Deschamps.