The Independent
·26. März 2026
Brazil vs France LIVE: Mbappe edges closer to all-time scoring record in enthralling pre-World Cup clash

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·26. März 2026


Kylian Mbappe scored a brilliant goal to move within one of Olivier Giroud’s record (AFP via Getty Images)
France forward Kylian Mbappe moved to within one goal of equalling his country’s all-time goalscoring record with a sumptuous chip in the 2-1 win over Brazil.
Les Bleus faced the Selecao in a friendly at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Thursday night in the first of two matches planned for both sides during the final international break before this summer’s World Cup.
And Mbappe struck in the first half to give his side the lead, latching onto a through ball from Ousmane Dembele and racing clean through before lifting a lovely finish over Ederson. It was the 56th international goal for Mbappe in his 95th game for France, and it took him one behind Olivier Giroud’s all-time record of 57 goals.
Brazil came out firing after the break, and were unlucky not to equalise before Dayot Upamecano clipped Wesley when the defender was clean through, meaning the Frenchman was given a straight red card.
The Selecao briefly threatened to get back into it but they soon found themselves 2-0 down, with Hugo Ekitike stabbing a great chip past Ederson for 2-0 just after the hour mark. And though Bremer gave his side hope late on, Brazil didn’t have enough to find a late equaliser, with Ekitike deciding the game in what was a fine advert for this summer’s World Cup.
Kylian Mbappe has moved to within one goal of equalling France's all-time top goalscoring record after his effort this evening.
It marks his 56th goal on his 95th appearance for Les Bleus, with only Olivier Giroud scoring more (with 57).
Chris Wilson27 March 2026 07:54
France forward Kylian Mbappe moved to within one goal of equalling his country’s all-time goalscoring record with a sumptuous chip in the 2-1 win over Brazil.
Les Bleus faced the Selecao in a friendly at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Thursday night in the first of two matches planned for both sides during the final international break before this summer’s World Cup.
And Mbappe struck in the first half to give his side the lead, latching onto a through ball from Ousmane Dembele and racing clean through before lifting a lovely finish over Ederson.

The Real Madrid forward scored the 56th goal of his international career to move within one of Olivier Giroud’s record for Les Bleus
Chris Wilson27 March 2026 07:00
With England in action today, here’s a look at who might be on the plane already ,from Lawrence Ostlere...
England have only one more camp before Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the 2026 World Cup, and plenty is still up in the air.
England dominated Group K in Uefa qualifying to book their place at next summer’s World Cup, winning all eight games without conceding a goal.
Tuchel has picked a 35-man group for this month’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, after which he will have just a few weeks to finalise his group to take to USA, Canada and Mexico in June.
The manager has made clear that he wants to build a squad with clearly defined roles, and two players for every position on the pitch, plus a third goalkeeper and three versatile outfield players to round out the 26. He sees his midfield comprising a No 6, a No 8 and No 10 and wants each player to know their specific role in the side.
Chris Wilson27 March 2026 06:00
Northern Ireland’s dreams of reaching the World Cup were ended by Italy as Michael O’Neill’s young side fell to a 2-0 qualifying play-off semi-final defeat in Bergamo.
Northern Ireland battled superbly against an Italy side under immense pressure to deliver qualification after two consecutive failures to reach a tournament they have won four times, but were undone by second-half goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.
Having reached half-time with the match still goalless, Northern Ireland successfully ramped up the tension inside the Stadio di Bergamo, but it was released in the 56th minute when Tonali capitalised on a poor clearance from Isaac Price to thrash home.

Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland: Michael O’Neill’s youthful side fought valiantly in Bergamo but Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean’s goals moved Italy within one victory of the World Cup
Chris Wilson27 March 2026 03:00
With England in action today, here’s a look at who might be on the plane already, from Lawrence Ostlere...
England have only one more camp before Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the 2026 World Cup, and plenty is still up in the air.
England dominated Group K in Uefa qualifying to book their place at next summer’s World Cup, winning all eight games without conceding a goal.
Tuchel has picked a 35-man group for this month’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, after which he will have just a few weeks to finalise his group to take to USA, Canada and Mexico in June.
The manager has made clear that he wants to build a squad with clearly defined roles, and two players for every position on the pitch, plus a third goalkeeper and three versatile outfield players to round out the 26. He sees his midfield comprising a No 6, a No 8 and No 10 and wants each player to know their specific role in the side.
Lawrence Ostlere27 March 2026 01:00
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