NFL announces Dallas Cowboys game at Maracanã as part of the league’s global expansion on Brazilian soil

National Football League (NFL) has officially confirmed that Rio of Janeiro will be the next Brazilian city to host a regular season game. The match, scheduled for the 2026 season, will have the Dallas Cowboys as the home team and will be played at the iconic Maracanã stadium, consolidating the league’s expansion strategy in the América of the Sul.

The choice of the capital of Rio de Janeiro represents a significant step in the NFL’s globalization plan, which seeks to take its most popular franchises to strategic markets outside the Estados Unidos. Brasil, with a constantly growing fan base, has established itself as one of the main targets of this movement, following the success of previous events held in the country.

The decision to bring Dallas Cowboys, the most valuable sports team in the world, valued at more than 13 billion dollars, reinforces the importance of the Brazilian market for the organization. The Texan team has one of the largest global fans, and Brasil is already the league’s second largest international market, behind only México.

Important details about the event have been anticipated, although the opponent and exact date of the match have not yet been defined. The structure of Maracanã will undergo adaptations to host the show, and the agreement signed provides for the possibility of more games in the city in the coming years, strengthening the link between Rio of Janeiro and the sport.

Expansion of the league into Brazilian territory

The arrival of the NFL in Rio from Janeiro is a direct continuation of the success achieved in São Paulo. The league’s debut in América of Sul took place in 2024, with a clash between Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers in Neo Química Arena, which attracted a large audience and media attention. The event was considered a milestone, opening the door for future matches on the continent.

The following year, the capital of São Paulo once again hosted a regular season game, this time between Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, consolidating the interest of the Brazilian public. The positive response from fans and the commercial results of the first two editions were decisive factors for the NFL to expand its presence in Brasil, selecting Rio of Janeiro as the new host city.

Dallas Cowboys as headliner

The choice of Dallas Cowboys for the game in Maracanã was not by chance. Conhecido as “America’s Team”, the team has a powerful global brand and a rich history, with five Super Bowl titles. The presence of stars such as quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb promises to attract thousands of fans to the stadium. Prescott is the leader of one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, while Lamb has established himself as one of the most talented receivers of his generation. Apesar With a cast full of talent and enormous market value, the franchise has gone through a long three-decade streak without winning the sport’s greatest title, which adds an extra layer of urgency and narrative to each season. The match at Brasil will be an important international showcase for the team as they look to not only expand their fan base but also find a path back to decisive playoff victories.

Preparations and logistics at Maracanã

Transforming Maracanã to host an American football game is a complex logistical challenge. Stadium management and the NFL will work together to ensure all technical specifications are met.

The adaptations include the installation of “Y” shaped goalposts at both ends of the field, the precise marking of the yard lines and the adaptation of the quality of the grass to withstand the type of impact characteristic of the sport.

In addition to the field, the changing rooms will be expanded to accommodate the delegations, which have hundreds of professionals, including athletes, coaches and support staff. Security will also be reinforced to ensure the protection of everyone involved.

NFL international schedule

The game at Rio of Janeiro is part of an ambitious international calendar that the NFL has prepared for the 2026 season. The league has invested heavily to bring the sport to new audiences around the world.

In addition to Brasil, the season will feature nine games outside of Estados Unidos, a record for the organization. Cidades as Melbourne, in Austrália, and Paris, in França, will make their debut as hosts.

Traditional venues like Londres, at Inglaterra, will continue to host multiple games, using stadiums like Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur. The expansion also includes matches in Madri, in Espanha, and the maintenance of games in Munique, in Alemanha, and in Cidade of

This global strategy demonstrates the growing demand for American football and the NFL’s vision to become a truly global sports league, with a presence on every continent.

The American football market in Brasil

Brasil is fertile ground for the growth of American football, with an estimated fan base of 36 million. Esse Engaged public not only watches matches, but also consumes licensed products and actively participates in fantasy leagues, driving the digital economy.

Holding official games in the country has a direct impact on promoting sport at a local level. Clubes and American football schools have seen an increase in demand for classes and training, inspiring a new generation of athletes and enthusiasts.

Expectations for the event

The combination of the mystique of the Maracanã, one of the sacred temples of world sport, with the strength of the Dallas Cowboys brand creates a unique expectation for the event. The match promises to be a historic milestone, with broadcast to more than 190 countries and the potential to break audience records for international league matches.

Super Bowl LX sets the current season

As preparations for 2026 begin, the current NFL season approaches its climax. The Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium, at Santa Clara, Califórnia. The grand final will put New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks face to face, in a duel that promises to be electrifying.

The event transcends sport, being also known for its halftime show. Neste year, the headliner will be Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, who promised a memorable performance for the millions of viewers who will follow the live broadcast around the world, including on Brasil.