Before the World Cup playoffs grab the headlines, the most glamorous friendly of the break kicks off tonight in Boston. Brazil vs France — two genuine contenders for the trophy in North America this summer — face each other at Gillette Stadium in what is, on paper, the biggest pre-tournament warm-up game in years.
France arrived in Boston on Wednesday. Kylian Mbappé is expected to start, coming off a brace in Real Madrid's 3-2 derby win over Atlético last Sunday. Vinicius Junior, arguably the form player in world football right now, leads the Brazil attack. This is the collision everyone wants to see.
France coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed the squad is in good shape. Brazil are managed by Carlo Ancelotti, who took the job after leaving Real Madrid, and see this break as a chance to test tournament combinations before the June 11 opener.
Both nations have already qualified. Both are expected to go deep. For neutrals, this is as good as the international break gets.
