LOS ANGELES – In a high-profile friendly at SoFi Stadium, France demonstrated why they remain among the favorites for the upcoming World Cup, overcoming an early second-half red card to secure a hard-fought victory over a talented Brazil side. The match, which served as a crucial tune-up for both nations ahead of the June 11 to July 19 tournament in North America, showcased the attacking firepower that has made France one of the world’s most dangerous teams.
Mbappe, showing no sign of the knee problems that had troubled him in recent weeks, was the architect of France’s victory. His 32nd-minute opener was a clinical display of pace and composure, and his overall performance suggested the 27-year-old is hitting peak form at precisely the right moment. With 56 international goals now to his name, he needs just one more to match Giroud’s record—a milestone he could achieve as early as Sunday when France face Colombia in Landover, Maryland.
“For us, it was not a friendly. Playing Brazil is a great opportunity to see where we stand tactically and technically,” Mbappe said after the match. “I said before the game we should not draw conclusions from it, so I’m not going to be hypocritical and treat it like a World Cup final. We showed creativity and remained solid. We’re moving forward.”
Mbappe’s Moment of Magic
France carried an early threat on the break against a Brazil side intent on pushing forward. The opening goal arrived in the 32nd minute after a sharp transition that showcased France’s devastating counter-attacking capabilities.
Aurelien Tchouameni won back possession in midfield and fed Ousmane Dembele, who released Mbappe into space down the right flank. The France captain accelerated clear of defender Leo Pereira before calmly lifting a right-footed finish over the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Ederson. The goal capped a lively opening spell in which France looked dangerous whenever they found space, Mbappe’s pace stretching Brazil’s back line and forcing them onto the back foot.
Brazil threatened a quick response when Vinicius Jr. capitalized on a loose ball and slipped Gabriel Martinelli through, but the Arsenal forward’s effort from the edge of the area curled just wide of the target. The close call served as a warning that Brazil remained dangerous despite France’s early dominance.
Upamecano’s Red Card Shakes Things Up
The match took a dramatic turn 10 minutes into the second half when France defender Dayot Upamecano was shown a straight red card. The Bayern Munich center-back, already without his regular partners Jules Kounde and William Saliba due to injury, was sent off for a last-man challenge on Vinicius Jr., reducing Les Bleus to 10 men for the remainder of the contest.
Rather than retreat into a defensive shell, France responded with remarkable resilience. Moments after the red card, Hugo Ekitike doubled France’s lead. The young striker, who has emerged as a valuable option for Didier Deschamps, found space in the box and finished coolly to give his side a two-goal cushion despite their numerical disadvantage.
Gleison Bremer pulled one back for Brazil late in the second half, but France’s defense—reshuffled and determined—held firm under sustained pressure. While the French back line was shaky at times, their attacking firepower and collective resolve proved too much for a Brazil side that struggled to create consistent opportunities.
Ancelotti Focuses on the Present, Not Neymar’s Absence
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti faced questions after the match about the absence of Neymar, who was not selected for the squad. The 34-year-old was left out after missing a recent Santos FC match with muscle fatigue—a game Ancelotti had planned to watch in person as part of his assessment ahead of naming the squad.
Fans in Los Angeles chanted for Neymar during the friendly, but Ancelotti downplayed the significance of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star’s absence.
“Right now we have to talk about those who are here, who played, who gave everything, who showed character, who worked very hard. And I am satisfied,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“I think Raphinha played very well. He had some muscle discomfort at the end of the first half and we had to substitute him, but he had many opportunities and very good movement off the ball. And Vini (Vinicius Jr.) always tries; he always makes the difference. A striker cannot always score, but the work done by both of them was good.”
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023 and has struggled to maintain a consistent run of matches since returning to Santos last year. His absence has raised questions about Brazil’s attacking depth ahead of the World Cup, though Ancelotti’s focus remains on integrating the players available to him.
World Cup Preparations Intensify
For France, the victory over Brazil represents a significant confidence boost ahead of the World Cup. Les Bleus have been drawn into Group K alongside Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan—a challenging group that will require the team to be at their best from the opening match.
Deschamps’ side has been hampered by injuries in recent weeks, with Kounde and Saliba missing the Brazil friendly. The red card to Upamecano will also be a concern, though the tournament is still more than two months away, providing time for the squad to recover and for Deschamps to finalize his tactical approach.
Mbappe’s form, however, is the most encouraging sign for French supporters. The captain has carried his team through previous tournaments and appears poised to do so again. His pursuit of Giroud’s record adds an additional narrative to France’s campaign, though Mbappe has consistently emphasized that team success remains his priority.
Brazil, meanwhile, will look to regroup before their next friendly against the United States. Ancelotti’s side showed flashes of quality against France, particularly in the second half after Raphinha’s introduction, but lacked the creative spark and defensive solidity needed to overcome a world-class opponent.
What’s Next
Both nations continue their World Cup preparations with additional friendlies in the coming weeks. France face Colombia on Sunday in Landover, Maryland—a match that could see Mbappe equal or surpass Giroud’s record. Brazil will take on the United States in Orlando next week as they look to build cohesion and address the issues exposed by their defeat to Les Bleus.
For Mbappe and France, the path to the World Cup is clear: maintain fitness, sharpen tactics, and continue to build momentum. The victory over Brazil suggests they are on the right track. “All I want is to be on the pitch and play — every kid dreams of playing a France-Brazil match,” Mbappe said. “I know it’s a privilege.” The privilege, for France, is having a captain in form as they chase a third World Cup title.
