The Dallas Cowboys have been confirmed as one of the participating teams in the 2026 NFL Rio game, marking a major milestone as the National Football League brings its first-ever regular-season game to Rio de Janeiro. The landmark matchup will take place at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, one of the most famous sporting venues in the world.
The Rio fixture forms part of a record-breaking nine international NFL games in 2026, spanning four continents, seven countries and eight stadiums, underlining the league’s rapid global expansion and growing international fanbase.
NFL Makes History in Brazil with Cowboys Announcement
Announcing the news, NFL Brazil General Manager Luis Martinez described the occasion as a pivotal moment for the sport’s growth outside the United States.
“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.”
Bringing a regular-season game to Rio not only strengthens the NFL’s presence in South America, but also connects the league with one of the most passionate sporting communities on the planet. The move reinforces the NFL’s long-term commitment to Brazil as a key international market.
Brazil’s Growing NFL Fanbase
Brazil is home to more than 36 million NFL fans, making it one of the league’s most significant markets outside North America. The Rio announcement follows a multi-year agreement that will see at least three regular-season NFL games played in Rio de Janeiro over the next five years.
Beyond elite competition, the NFL continues to invest in grassroots development through year-round initiatives including NFL Flag, community programmes and youth engagement projects. NFL Flag already involves thousands of young players across Brazil, helping inspire the next generation as flag football prepares for its Olympic debut at LA28.
Cowboys Opponent and Ticket Details Still to Come
The Dallas Cowboys’ opponent, along with the match date, kickoff time and ticket information, will be revealed at a later stage. Fans eager to stay informed can register for updates via the official NFL Rio hub.
Supporters can also follow NFL Brazil on Instagram, X and TikTok for behind-the-scenes content and announcements.
NFL’s History in Brazil So Far
While the Rio game marks a first for the city, the NFL already has history in Brazil. The league has staged two regular-season games in São Paulo at Corinthians Arena:
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2024: Green Bay Packers 29 – Philadelphia Eagles 34 (Attendance: 47,236)
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2025: Kansas City Chiefs 21 – Los Angeles Chargers 27 (Attendance: 47,627)
These sell-out crowds helped pave the way for Rio’s inclusion on the international calendar.
2026 NFL International Games: Full List
The NFL has now played 62 regular-season games outside the United States, with cities including London, Munich, Mexico City and São Paulo hosting matchups. The 2026 international markets are:
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London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (2 games), Wembley Stadium (1 game)
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Madrid, Spain – Bernabéu Stadium
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Melbourne, Australia* – Melbourne Cricket Ground
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Mexico City, Mexico – Estadio Banorte
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Munich, Germany – FC Bayern Munich Arena
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Paris, France* – Stade de France
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil* – Maracanã Stadium
(*New markets for 2026)
Fans can sign up for updates on each international fixture via the official NFL pages, including NFL Rio, NFL Madrid and NFL Munich.
With the Dallas Cowboys now confirmed, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the most culturally significant NFL games ever staged — blending American football with the electric atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Maracanã.
