Boston Showdown: Mbappé-Dembele vs Vinícius-Rafinha in France-Brazil Friendly
26 March 2026
France-Brazil in Boston: Lineups and Build-Up
A fiery yet friendly clash unfolds in Boston as Carlo Ancelotti and Didier Deschamps name their lineups ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
France’s attack centers on Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, with Hugo Ékitiké providing additional firepower, while Theo Hernández presses from the left and the midfield is driven by Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot.
Brazil counters with a high-velocity frontline led by Vinícius Júnior and Rafinha, supported by Martinelli and Cunha, with Ederson guarding the goal and a rearguard eager to prove its mettle.
France’s lineup complete: Maignan in goal, a backline featuring Konaté and Upamecano, Theo Hernández, and a midfield trio anchored by Tchouaméni and Rabiot, with Dembélé and Mbappé supported by Ékitiké up front. Brazil’s XI boasts Ederson; Wesley; Pereira; Douglas Santos; Casemiro; André Santos; Rafinha; Martinelli; Vinícius Júnior; Cunha; and others shaping the attack.
Brazil’s starting XI is listed with Ederson in goal, a defensive spine including Pereira and Douglas Santos, a midfield pairing of Casemiro and André Santos, and a dynamic forward line of Rafinha, Martinelli, Vinícius Júnior and Cunha. Read also: Mbappé: I’m at fault… the truth about knee-treatment rumors.
Final note: if this match doesn’t end in a memorable scoreline, at least the humor will be offside. And if a joke slips, don’t blame the crossbar—blame the crowd for enjoying football with a side of puns.
