BOSTON, March 26 - Kylian Mbappe led France to a 2-1 friendly win over Brazil on Thursday, scoring the opener and inspiring his team even after they were reduced to 10 men.
Mbappe, wearing the captain’s armband and showing no effects from recent knee issues, netted in the 32nd minute following a swift counterattack. Aurelien Tchouameni recovered possession, Ousmane Dembele provided the assist, and Mbappe finished coolly over goalkeeper Ederson.
France doubled their lead in the 65th minute through Hugo Ekitike, who chipped Ederson after a breakaway sparked by Michael Olise-despite Dayot Upamecano’s 55th-minute red card for fouling Brazil’s Wesley.
Gleison Bremer pulled one back for Brazil in the 78th minute from Luiz Henrique’s cross, but France held firm. The win marks Didier Deschamps’s first victory over Brazil as manager.
With 56 international goals, Mbappe now stands just one behind Olivier Giroud’s French record ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Colombia in Landover, Maryland.
"Playing Brazil is a great opportunity to see where we stand," Mbappe said. "All I want is to be on the pitch and play-every kid dreams of a France-Brazil match."
France’s attack overwhelmed a Brazil side lacking midfield creativity, even with defensive absences like Jules Kounde and William Saliba.