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Is Kylian Mbappe Playing Tonight for France vs. Brazil?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Mar 26, 2026 12:00 PM ET

Brazil faces France in a friendly on Thursday, March 26, at Gillette Stadium. All eyes are on Kylian Mbappe, as he is set to start the game.

This match is part of the Road to 26, a new series of international games leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This project is co-promoted by Unified Events, Florida Citrus Sports, Pitch International, and Lions Media.

According to AS journalist Andres Onrubia, Mbappe, 27, will start and is expected to be substituted at halftime. The Real Madrid forward could be joined by Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Michael Olise in attack.

El posible once de Francia mañana vs Brasil:

Maignan - Malo Gusto, Upamecano, Konaté, Digne - Tchouaméni, Rabiot - Dembélé, Olise, Doué - Mbappé.

Mbappé será titular y podría ser sustituido al descanso.
— Andrés Onrubia Ramos (@AndiOnrubia) March 25, 2026

In a news conference ahead of this match, Mbappe spoke about his physical condition, as there has been much controversy surrounding it.

"Right now, I feel good, especially in my knees, which is important for me. In part, it is also thanks to my club, which has taken good care of my physical condition. I am very happy to be here, available and in full condition," he said.

France's striker and captain, Kylian Mbappe, speaks during a press conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on March 25, 2026, on the eve of a friendly match against Brazil. Photo by Franck FIFE / AFP via Getty Images

On the possibility of playing against Brazil, he added, "I am ready to play, to start if necessary. But in the end, it will be the coach who decides." Brazil vs. France will begin at 1:00 p.m. PT, 4:00 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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