Boston 25 Now
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Two of the world’s most iconic national teams — Brazil and France — return to the United States on Thursday for an international friendly at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough as part of “Road to 26,” a global exhibition series leading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The matchup marks the first international soccer game at Gillette Stadium since 2016’s Copa América Centenario, and it will be France’s first-ever appearance at the venue. Brazil, meanwhile, will be playing in Foxborough for the sixth time.
Kickoff is set for 4 p.m., with parking lots opening at 12 p.m. and stadium gates opening at 2 p.m.
Brazil and France — two giants of global football — have met 18 times, with France holding a slight advantage: 7 wins, 6 draws, 5 losses. Their last meeting came in June 2024, a 2–1 win for France.
Road to 26 brings elite international matchups to major American venues leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-promoted by Unified Events, Florida Citrus Sports, Lions Media, and Pitch International.
Come this summer, Gillette Stadium will host seven World Cup matches.
ESPN Deportes broadcaster Fernando Palomo joined the Boston 25 Morning News to preview the match:
ESPN Deportes broadcaster Fernando Palomo previews Brazil-France friendly at Gillette Stadium
Stadium and state officials are urging fans to allow extra travel time. Because the match coincides with weekday commuter traffic, delays are expected on local roads and around Route 1.
Fans are advised to use I‑95, I‑495, or Route 140 to access the stadium. Local roads will have closures and restrictions not reflected on navigation apps.
The MBTA Commuter Rail and Keolis will offer round‑trip special event trains from Boston’s South Station directly to Foxboro Station for $30 round‑trip (sold only via the mTicket app).
These are the only trains running to and from the match — regular weekday service to Foxboro will not operate.
Boarding Group A (arrive by 12 PM)
Boarding Group B (arrive by 12:30 PM)
Four trains will depart starting 30 minutes after the match, leaving every 15 minutes. Fans are encouraged to head directly to the station to secure a spot.
More details: gillettestadium.com/parking
Gates open at 2 p.m. Fans may enter through the Bank of America, CVS Health, or Ticketmaster gates.
ADA access is available at:
Dedicated ADA elevators are located at the Ticketmaster Gate and the W2 entrance.
Gillette Stadium will enforce its full clear bag policy:
Approved bags include:
Traditional purses, backpacks, and larger bags will not be permitted and cannot be stored at the venue.
Items not allowed include:
Signs are allowed up to 11” x 17”, without lights or battery packs.
The Gillette Stadium Ticket Office opens at 12 p.m. on event day. Tickets are digital and accessible via the Gillette Stadium App. Fans are urged to add tickets to their mobile wallet prior to arrival.
Only Ticketmaster is the authorized seller — secondary‑market tickets may be invalid.
The designated drop‑off and pickup area is Lot 15 near Bass Pro Shops. Guests are encouraged to confirm availability with rideshare services ahead of time.
Gillette Stadium is fully cashless. Fans who bring cash may use cash‑to‑card kiosks inside the stadium to convert cash into Visa cards usable anywhere on-site.
Guest service booths are located across the 100‑ and 300‑level concourses. The stadium also offers:
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