In 2026, the Dallas Cowboys will become the first NFL team to play a regular-season game in Rio de Janeiro, marking a milestone in the league’s ongoing global expansion. The game will take place at the renowned Maracanã Stadium, showcasing American football in a new and passionate sports market.
This event continues the NFL’s streak of hosting games in Brazil for the third year running, following the Packers-Eagles matchup in São Paulo in 2024 and the Chiefs-Chargers game in 2025. It will be Dallas’s first international game since their 31-17 victory over Jacksonville at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2014.
The Cowboys agreed to forfeit a home game at AT&T Stadium to participate, as league rules permit one home game to be relocated internationally during the nine-game home schedule. Although owner Jerry Jones initially favored Mexico City, the NFL requested Dallas specifically for the historic Rio debut.
Maracanã Stadium: A Legendary Venue for NFL’s Brazilian Entry
The Maracanã Stadium, seating 70,000, has a storied history, having hosted World Cup finals in 1950 and 2014 as well as the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympics. Its rich sporting legacy makes it an ideal venue to introduce American football to the enthusiastic Rio sports fanbase.
“We are proud to welcome the Dallas Cowboys to Brazil for the first-ever NFL game in Rio de Janeiro. Introducing one of the league’s most iconic teams to the Maracanã Stadium marks a powerful milestone in the continued growth of the sport worldwide.”
The Cowboys have broad international experience, having previously played preseason games in cities such as Tokyo, Toronto, Mexico City, and Monterrey. This game in Brazil adds to their expanding global presence.
Significance Within the NFL’s Expanding International Footprint
The match in Rio will be part of a record nine international NFL games scheduled for 2026, with additional events planned in Paris, Munich, Madrid, London, Mexico City, and Melbourne. This reflects the NFL’s commitment to growing its worldwide audience and establishing new markets.
“Building on the success of the games in São Paulo, we could not be more excited to play in one of the world’s most iconic cities. We look forward to working closely with our partners in Rio to deepen our ties to the tens of millions of fans in Brazil and across South America.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed strong enthusiasm about strengthening the league’s connection with South American audiences through this event.
Looking Ahead: Anticipation Around Opponent and Game Details
The Dallas Cowboys’ opponent and exact game date will be announced in spring 2026. Possible challengers include NFC East rivals or notable teams like Arizona, Jacksonville, San Francisco, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, or Baltimore—each set for games originally scheduled at Dallas’s home stadium.
This move is more than a simple relocation; it signifies the NFL’s effort to engage new fans, bridge cultural divides, and offer unique experiences for Cowboys supporters worldwide. Playing near the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue symbolizes a fitting expansion for the franchise famously known as America’s Team.
