Boston, MA – Just 79 days before the opening whistle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the French national team has arrived in the United States and settled into its base camp in Boston, Massachusetts, ahead of a crucial friendly match against Brazil this Thursday. The team touched down at Boston Logan International Airport at 2:35 PM local time after a seven-and-a-half-hour flight from Paris-Orly.
This match against Brazil, scheduled for 9:00 PM Eastern Time (3:00 AM Central European Time) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, marks the beginning of France’s preparations for the expanded 48-team World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team will then travel to Landover, Maryland, to face Colombia on Sunday.
“We didn’t sleep much during the flight, it was a long journey but it went exceptionally well,” midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni told reporters upon arrival. “It’s always good to approach here, it’s going to be a good preparation. It’s similarly good to come to our future base camp for the World Cup to get familiar with the surroundings.”
Escorted by police, the team traveled approximately 3.7 miles to the Four Seasons Hotel, which will serve as their home base throughout the 2026 World Cup tournament. A sizable crowd of fans, many sporting Les Bleus jerseys, gathered behind security barriers to welcome the players. Head coach Didier Deschamps was among the first to emerge from the team bus, followed by assistant coach Guy Stéphan and the rest of the coaching staff.
Fan Reception and Star Power
Players greeted fans with photos and autographs, with captain Kylian Mbappé, Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise drawing particularly large cheers. The enthusiastic welcome provided a boost for the team as they begin their preparations for the high-profile match against the Brazilians.
The French squad will occupy two floors of the Four Seasons Hotel, with one floor dedicated to the coaching staff and the other to the players. The team immediately began light training with a session in the hotel’s gym on Tuesday afternoon, focusing on recovery and acclimatization to the time zone.
This tour represents an early opportunity for France to experience the conditions they will face during the World Cup. The Gillette Stadium, a well-known venue for major sporting events, will provide a taste of the atmosphere and logistical challenges of playing in the United States. The team’s stay in Boston allows them to turn into acquainted with the local infrastructure and facilities, which will be invaluable when they return for the tournament next summer.
According to the French Football Federation, This represents a key part of their strategy to ensure a smooth and successful World Cup campaign. The team is eager to test their preparations against a formidable opponent like Brazil, currently ranked 5th in the FIFA rankings, while France sits at 3rd and Colombia at 13th.
Liverpool attacker Hugo Ekitike expressed his excitement about the upcoming matches. “These will be intriguing matches, we are looking forward to it. Brazil is a match you watch on TV,” he said.
Didier Deschamps will be overseeing his 175th and 176th matches in charge of the national team during this tour. The team will return to Paris on Monday, March 30th, following the match against Colombia.
The upcoming matches against Brazil and Colombia are not just preparation for the World Cup; they also provide valuable competitive experience against top-tier opponents. France will face Senegal, Norway, and the winner of the intercontinental playoff (between Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname) in Group I of the 2026 World Cup. These friendlies will allow Deschamps to assess his squad and refine his tactics ahead of the tournament.
For fans eager to follow the team’s progress, both matches will be broadcast live on TF1 in France. Ticket information was initially released on January 12th, with a pre-sale for supporters who registered on the “Road to 26” platform, followed by general public sales on January 13th.
The team’s arrival in Boston marks a significant step in their journey towards the 2026 World Cup. The combination of high-level competition, familiarization with the host country, and meticulous preparation will be crucial as France aims to lift the trophy next July.
