France v Brazil, 1958 to 2006, five defining clashes | OneFootball

France meet Brazil in Massachusetts on Thursday at 21:00 as part of their 2026 World Cup build-up. L'Équipe highlights five landmark encounters that have shaped this storied rivalry.

Their first meeting came in the 1958 World Cup semi-final on 24 June. Vava struck after two minutes, Just Fontaine equalised in the eighth and ended the tournament with 13 goals in six games, still a record. Didi restored Brazil’s lead before Pelé, then 17, completed a hat-trick on 53, 64 and 76 minutes, Roger Piantoni replying on 82 minutes as Brazil won 5-2.

In Mexico on 21 June 1986, the quarter-final finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, Careca on 17 and Michel Platini on 41. Still level after extra time, France won the shootout 4-3 despite Platini missing his kick, celebrations spilling into the Jalisco dressing room.

At the 1997 Tournoi de France in Lyon, it ended 1-1. Roberto Carlos bent an outrageous free-kick on 21 minutes from around 40 metres with the outside of his foot. Marc Keller levelled on 60 minutes.

The 1998 World Cup final on 12 July at the Stade de France saw the hosts beat the holders 3-0. Zinédine Zidane headed in twice on 27 and 45+1 minutes, Marcel Desailly was sent off on 68 for a second booking and Emmanuel Petit sealed it on 90+3.

In Berlin in 2006, another quarter-final belonged to Zidane. Stepovers, a sombrero, feints and a backheel gilded a masterclass, and his long free-kick created Thierry Henry’s winner on 57 minutes. France advanced to the semi-finals, Brazil’s stars could not contain him.

Source: L'Équipe