The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens will play a regular-season game at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on September 27, 2026, marking the NFL’s first-ever matchup in the Brazilian city. The Week 3 fixture, scheduled for 4:25 PM ET, builds on the league’s prior international expansion into São Paulo and highlights a multiyear agreement to stage at least three games in Rio over a five-year span.
NFL Expansion and Fan Demographics in Brazil
The decision to bring a regular-season game to Rio de Janeiro stems from a concerted effort to capture a growing international market. By moving beyond São Paulo—where the league hosted its first two regular-season games—the NFL aims to deepen its footprint in South America’s largest economy. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that the league is excited to bring a game to one of the world’s most recognizable cities in partnership with local municipal and state authorities.
For the participating franchises, the international series offers expanded commercial reach. Alongside the Cowboys and Ravens, teams such as the Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, and Philadelphia Eagles hold official international marketing rights in Brazil, as detailed by For The Win. These marketing allocations allow franchises to cultivate local fan bases and secure sponsorship revenue outside domestic markets.
Maracanã Stadium Selection and Logistics
Selecting Maracanã Stadium places the NFL inside one of international sport’s most famous venues. Traditionally renowned as a historic soccer landmark, the Rio de Janeiro stadium provides a distinct backdrop for American football. Local government officials emphasized the potential economic benefits of hosting the fixture, pointing to expected boosts in tourism, job creation, and local commerce.
At the same time, staging a major event in Rio de Janeiro presents logistical hurdles. Analyses from sports outlets note that transporting two major NFL rosters and extensive equipment to South America requires complex coordination. Commentators have also raised questions regarding field conditions and player safety, particularly as star athletes manage soft-tissue injuries during a demanding September schedule.
Matchup Schedule and Operational Details
The Week 3 contest pits two prominent franchises against each other on neutral international soil. The Baltimore Ravens, anchored by quarterback Lamar Jackson, will face the Dallas Cowboys, one of the league’s most visible brands. Kickoff is set for September 27, 2026, at 4:25 PM ET.
The fixture forms the foundation of the league’s five-year commitment to Rio de Janeiro, which guarantees at least two more regular-season games in the city before the agreement concludes. As the NFL continues its broader push to stage meaningful games outside traditional domestic locations, league executives indicate that international fixtures in Brazil will remain a fixture of future schedules.
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