📹 Amid calls for Neymar and with an extra man, Brazil lose to France | OneFootball

In Brazil’s first warm-up friendly of 2026 for the World Cup, in June, the Brazilian National Team lost to France 2-1 this Thursday (26) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA.

The match showed one team that was absolutely prepared (and one of the favorites), led by a coach who has been in charge for 14 years, against another that went through an extremely turbulent cycle, with several coaching changes (Ramon Menezes, Fernando Diniz, Dorival Júnior, and Carlo Ancelotti), among other "off-field issues."

The first half began evenly, but the current World Cup runners-up took the lead through Mbappé, with a brilliant chip over Ederson.

After halftime, coach Carlo Ancelotti brought on Luiz Henrique — the star of Botafogo, winners of the 2024 Brazilian Championship and Copa Libertadores — in place of Raphinha, and Brazil became more incisive in attack.

The situation seemed to get "easier" for Brazil in the fight for an equalizer after Upamecano was sent off.

However, even with one man less on the field, France showed great organization to extend their lead through Ekitiké, finishing off a move that featured a beautiful assist from Olise.

The Brazilian fans in attendance at the stadium, who were actually the majority, called for Neymar, who was not selected by Carlo Ancelotti.

With relentless pressure, Brazil pulled one back through center-back Bremer after a free kick into the box, Casemiro keeping the ball in play on the end line, and Luiz Henrique providing the assist.

In the final minutes, only Vini Jr., among the players considered undisputed starters, remained on the field.

Bremer and Vini Jr. had good chances to level the global classic, but failed.

🚦 Situation

Next Tuesday (31), at 9 p.m. Brasília time, Brazil will face Croatia in Orlando, Florida, which has served as the team’s base in the United States.

After the match against the team that knocked them out in 2022, there will be only two more friendlies before their debut at the 2026 World Cup.

On May 31, Brazil will play its farewell match at the Maracanã against Panama, and on June 6, already in Cleveland, USA, they will face Egypt.

Brazil will open its World Cup campaign on June 13 against Morocco in New Jersey, then face Haiti in Philadelphia on June 19, and wrap up the group stage against Scotland on June 24 in Miami.

According to the pre-World Cup schedule, coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to send FIFA a preliminary list of 55 players on May 11, with the official squad of 26 called-up players to be submitted on May 18.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

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