Mbappe’s goal down Brazil as Vinicius says they're not among World Cup favourites

France captain Kylian Mbappe moved to within one goal of equalling France's all-time top goalscoring record as his side beat Brazil in a friendly at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, USA.

Mbappe was sent through on goal by Ousmane Dembele in the 32nd minute and dinked the ball over onrushing Brazil keeper Ederson.

It was Mbappe's 56th goal on his 95th appearance for his country - only Olivier Giroud with 57 goals in 137 caps has scored more for the two-time world champions.

The 27-year-old was substituted for Marcus Thuram in the 66th minute, having had two further half-chances, dragging two shots wide in the first half.

The forward, who made his France debut at the age of 18 in 2017, has been recovering from a knee injury, having last started for Real Madrid on 22 February.

On Wednesday, he denied reports that his injury had been misdiagnosed by a Real medical team member mistakenly examining his wrong knee.

France was reduced to 10 men in the second half when last man Dayot Upamecano fouled Brazil full-back Wesley just outside the area.

But, despite having one man less, Didier Deschamps' France doubled their lead through Hugo Ekitike's close-range chipped effort in the 65th minute.

Brazil, managed by former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, pulled one goal back 13 minutes later when centre-back Bremer turned in Luiz Henrique's low cross.

Brentford forward Igor Thiago made his Brazil debut coming off the bench for Manchester United's Matheus Cunha, but his side was unable to fashion an equaliser in the closing stages.

Brazil were without their own all-time top scorer Neymar, who has not been included in Ancelotti's squad due to fitness issues.

The teams were playing at Gillette Stadium, home of the NFL team the New England Patriots and venue of France's final World Cup group game against Norway this summer.

Gillette Stadium will host England's Group L match with Ghana on 23 June and Scotland's Group C matches with Haiti on 13 June and Morocco on 19 June

Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior said Brazil has not earned the right to be considered the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup, and that the team does not want that tag.

Brazil has won a record five World Cups, but none since 2002. Since then, Brazil has not finished better than fourth in 2014 and a disappointing fifth during 2026 qualifying.

“We are not the favourites based on the results we’ve had,” the Real Madrid forward said before Brazil’s friendly against France on Thursday. “We want to arrive at the World Cup the same way we’re approaching the friendlies — calm, patient and focused on what we’ve been working on.’’ Sports

Ancelotti took over as Brazil’s manager in May 2025, and the team went on to win two matches during qualifying, lose to Japan, and draw with Tunisia.

Vinicius, who has eight goals in 45 appearances for Brazil’s national team, played for Ancelotti at Madrid. The 25-year-old is confident the manager can take “a lot of pressure off us.”

“But the weight of the shirt, the quality of the players we have here … We’re going to do everything to put Brazil on top again,” Vinicius added. “We don’t want to be favourites, we want to put Brazil on top.”

Brazil begins its 2026 World Cup with a match against Morocco on June 13 and will also play Scotland and Haiti in Group C.