French National Team Embraces American Football with NFL Star Bijan Robinson Ahead of US Friendlies

The French national football team, led by Kylian Mbappé and coach Didier Deschamps, experienced a unique American football initiation with NFL star Bijan Robinson just hours before flying to the United States. This event, featuring the players trying on NFL gear and practicing football skills alongside Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons, was part of the French Football Federation's promotional efforts for the 2026 World Cup hosted in the US. Notably, Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouameni exchanged jerseys with Robinson in a symbolic gesture of sports camaraderie.

Following this engaging session, the team arrived in Boston on March 24, where they were welcomed by supporters and took time to interact with fans. The players, including Mbappé, signed autographs upon arrival at their base—the Four Seasons Hotel—which will also serve as their preparation hub during the upcoming World Cup. Aurélien Tchouameni shared, "We didn’t sleep much during the flight, it was a long trip, but it went very well. It’s always nice to come here, it’s going to be good preparation."

The French team is set to face Brazil on Thursday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough and then Colombia on Sunday in Landover, Maryland. Hugo Ekitiké, despite a minor injury, expressed excitement about the Brazil match, calling it a "dream fixture."

This unique blend of soccer and American football highlights the team's innovative approach to engage with US fans and build momentum ahead of the World Cup in North America.