FOXBOROUGH, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Brazil and France faced off at Gillette Stadium on Thursday in an international friendly that brought World Cup energy to New England less than three months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins.

Fans gathered at Patriot Place before the match, with many calling it a World Cup game before the actual tournament. The exhibition marked the first time since 2016 that Gillette Stadium has hosted an international soccer game. France made their first appearance at the venue, while Brazil played in Foxborough for the sixth time.

The parking lot across from the stadium turned into a party, filled largely with Brazil fans celebrating their team and culture. “Got to embrace the culture a little bit, got the flag on in the back, got the famous Juju’s is what they’re called. It’s going to be a great day,” said Daniel Santos of Milford. “We’re a very hardworking culture and things like this, they mean the world to us.”

Kianna Carmo of Framingham said the event brought communities together. “It’s so exciting. We’re just all united and we love each other so much. It’s so nice to have the communities all come together,” she added. “I’ve been watching soccer since I was out of the womb, so it’s just so special and I love it and we all get so emotional. It’s just the best experience ever.”

The match is part of “Road to 26,” a series of international exhibitions leading up to the World Cup, which will occur at several stadiums across the country. France enters ranked third in the world and Brazil is fifth. The two teams last played each other in June 2024, with France winning 2-1. The exhibition also serves as an opportunity for players to make a final push for a World Cup roster spot.

Gillette Stadium will host seven World Cup games, including a quarterfinal matchup, from June 13 to July 9. France will play Norway at Gillette on June 26.

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