Brentford striker Igor Thiago realised a lifelong dream on Thursday, earning his first cap for Brazil in a 2-1 defeat to France.

Thiago, who has scored 19 goals in the Premier League this term, replaced Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha in the 69th minute in a friendly at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, USA.

Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring for France in the first half. Dayot Upamecano was sent off for a foul on Wesley after the break but, despite their numerical disadvantage, Didier Deschamps' side doubled their lead through Hugo Ekitike.

Gleason Bremer pulled one back for Brazil shortly after Thiago’s introduction.

“It’s my biggest goal,” said Thiago when asked about his international ambitions earlier this season.

“It would mean a lot to me, especially knowing that the previous players who have played for Brazil were such big players not just in Brazil but around the world.

“When I reach there, which I will, it will mean I’ve made it.”

Elsewhere, Mikkel Damsgaard was on target as Denmark beat North Macedonia 4-0 in their 2026 World Cup play-off semi-final in Copenhagen to earn a place in Tuesday's Path D decider against Czechia.

Damsgaard scored Denmark’s opening goal four minutes into the second half. Gustav Isaksen was denied by a last-ditch tackle and the Brentford midfielder pounced to fire into an empty net.

Damsgaard turned provider on 58 minutes when his cross to the back post was turned in by Isaksen.

Mathias Jensen was an unused substitute for Brian Riemer’s side.

Ethan Pinnock’s Jamaica beat New Caledonia 1-0 at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico.

The Reggae Boyz face DR Congo in the Path A final on Tuesday, seeking to book a place at the 2026 World Cup.

Jamaica have only one World Cup finals appearance, back in 1998 in France, where they exited in the group stage.

It was heartbreak for Nathan Collins and Caoimhín Kelleher as Republic of Ireland were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Czechia at the end of an action-packed play-off semi-final in Prague.

Troy Parrott's penalty and goalkeeper Matej Kovar's own goal put Heimir Hallgrimsson's side two up after 23 minutes, but Czechia fought back to make it 2-2 and won the game on spot-kicks.

Yehor Yarmoliuk’s Ukraine also suffered defeat in the World Cup play-offs. Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres scored a hat-trick as Sweden won 3-1 in Spain.