France defeats Brazil 2-1 in World Cup tuneup match

Kylian Mbappé shakes off knee injury to score in France's victory

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:04am

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France forward Kylian Mbappé showed no ill effects from a recent knee injury, scoring a goal to help France defeat Brazil 2-1 in a World Cup tuneup match played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Hugo Ekitike also scored for France, while Bremer scored for Brazil.

Why it matters

The match was an important test for both teams ahead of this summer's World Cup, with France and Brazil considered two of the top contenders. Mbappé's performance was particularly notable, as he had been dealing with a knee injury in recent months.

The details

Mbappé opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, chipping the ball over the Brazil goalkeeper after being played in by a through ball from Ousmane Dembélé. Ekitike then doubled France's lead in the 65th minute, converting a pass from Michael Olise in the penalty area. After France's Dayot Upamecano was sent off in the 55th minute, Brazil cut the deficit to 1-2 when Bremer redirected a cross from Luiz Henrique past France keeper Mike Maignan.

  • The match was played on Thursday, March 27, 2026.
  • Mbappé scored France's opening goal in the 32nd minute.
  • Ekitike scored France's second goal in the 65th minute.
  • Upamecano was sent off in the 55th minute.
  • Bremer scored Brazil's goal in the 78th minute.

The players

Kylian Mbappé

A forward for France who recently recovered from a left knee injury. He is a 2018 World Cup champion and 2022 Golden Boot winner.

Hugo Ekitike

A forward for France who currently plays for Liverpool and is the team's top scorer this season.

Bremer

A Brazilian defender who scored his team's lone goal in the match.

Dayot Upamecano

A French defender who was sent off in the 55th minute for a foul that was upgraded to a red card on video review.

Mike Maignan

The French goalkeeper who played the full match.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.