Global giants open the “Road to 26” with first international soccer match at Gillette Stadium in a decade
Two of the most iconic national teams in global football will return to the United States when Brazil and France meet at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The match will be part of Road to 26, a new series of international exhibitions leading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.
Tickets for the match will go on sale via Ticketmaster on Tuesday, January 13 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Fans may register for exclusive pre-sale access at RoadTo26.com.
Road to 26 is co-promoted by Unified Events, Florida Citrus Sports (FCS), Pitch International and Lions Media, bringing elite national teams to major American venues throughout 2026.
Brazil and France share one of international football’s most compelling cross-continental rivalries. The teams have met 18 times, with France holding a narrow all-time edge (7 wins, 6 draws, 5 losses). Their most recent meeting came in June 2024, when France defeated Brazil 2–1 in Paris.
The upcoming clash will be the first international soccer match at Gillette Stadium since Copa América Centenario in 2016. The March 26 match will be France’s first-ever appearance at the venue, and Brazil’s sixth appearance in Foxborough all-time.
What They’re Saying
“Gillette Stadium has a rich history as a host of global sporting events, and welcoming Brazil and France—two of the most recognized and influential national teams in the world—is an extraordinary way to kick off the Road to 26 series,” said Jim Nolan, Chief Operating Officer of Kraft Sports + Entertainment. “As we prepare to host seven FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, including a quarterfinal, this event will provide fans a world-class preview.”
“With Road to 26, we are committed to delivering the biggest and most exciting matchups possible as anticipation builds for the World Cup,” said Steve Hogan, CEO of Florida Citrus Sports. “Brazil versus France at Gillette Stadium is a statement opening match for this new platform.”
“Since 2021 we’ve helped bring many of the world’s best teams to U.S. venues, and we are thrilled to help deliver this historic meeting,” said Molly Pendleton, Senior Vice President, Unified Events. “This will be one of the must-see fixtures of the 2026 build-up.”
Home to Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution, Gillette Stadium has hosted some of the most significant soccer events in U.S. history, including the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup, multiple Concacaf Gold Cups, the 2016 Copa América Centenario and numerous international friendlies. The venue is slated to host seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches to come, including a quarterfinal.
ABOUT ROAD TO 26
Road to 26 is a new U.S.-based international match series created to showcase the world’s top national teams in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Co-promoted by Florida Citrus Sports (FCS), Unified Events, Pitch International and Lions Media, Road to 26 delivers premium match experiences while connecting global supporters to the build-up for the largest World Cup in history.
ABOUT FCS
Florida Citrus Sports (FCS) is an Orlando-based nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities and driving economic impact through world-class events including the FC Series, Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl and more.
ABOUT UNIFIED EVENTS
Unified Events brings partner teams closer to their fans and delivers world-class soccer matchups to premier venues across the United States. Since 2021, the organization and its affiliates have managed ticketing and operations for more than 70 international soccer events.
ABOUT PITCH INTERNATIONAL
Pitch International is a global sports marketing agency specializing in international event delivery, media rights distribution and commercial partnerships for premier football properties.
ABOUT LIONS MEDIA
Lions Media is a global sports and entertainment company focused on premium football events, broadcast solutions and fan engagement initiatives across major international markets.
ABOUT GILLETTE STADIUM
Gillette Stadium, located in Foxborough, Mass., is New England’s premier sports and entertainment venue. The 64,628-seat stadium is the full-time home of the NFL’s six-time Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots and the home field of the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. Gillette Stadium is also one of the world’s top grossing concert venues, according to Billboard and Pollstar, boasting more than 100 concerts in venue history. Additionally, Gillette Stadium has hosted several notable sporting events including the 2023 Army-Navy Game, 2016 NHL Winter Classic, international soccer matches, NCAA athletics, professional lacrosse, motor sports and the Massachusetts high school football state championships, and will host seven FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 matches, including a quarterfinal match. For more information, visit www.GilletteStadium.comor follow @GilletteStadium on X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.