The NFL is taking a big step into South America with a multiyear deal in Rio de Janeiro. The league confirmed Friday it will bring three regular-season games to Rio over the next five years, starting in 2026. All games will be played at the historic Maracanã Stadium, known worldwide for hosting World Cup finals and Olympic ceremonies.
This move comes after back-to-back games in São Paulo. In 2024, the Green Bay Packers faced the Philadelphia Eagles. This September, more than 47,000 fans filled Corinthians Arena as the Chargers edged the Chiefs during the NFL’s kickoff weekend. Both games proved one thing – Brazil is ready for more football.
NFL sees Rio as the next stage
The shift from São Paulo to Rio signals growth. With more than 36 million NFL fans across Brazil, the league views the country as a key market. Commissioner Roger Goodell said Rio offers “one of the world’s most iconic cities” and praised Maracanã as a stage worthy of the sport.
Rio’s mayor Eduardo Paes called the partnership a “perfect match” and confirmed NFL games will now appear on the city’s official calendar. State governor Cláudio Castro added that hosting games will boost tourism, create jobs, and showcase Brazil as a global sports hub.
The NFL’s Global Markets Program already gives the Patriots, Dolphins, Lions and Eagles marketing rights in Brazil, a strategy that’s helping expand fan culture beyond the U.S. The league has also invested in NFL Flag programs for young players in São Paulo and Rio.
Football’s global push continues
Brazil is only one piece of the puzzle. Since 2007, the NFL has played 56 regular-season games abroad, with cities like London, Frankfurt, Munich and Mexico City hosting. Dublin, Berlin and Madrid will join the rotation in 2025.
And the global stage keeps growing. In 2026, the league will also debut in Australia with a game at Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the first NFL regular-season game ever played on the continent.
To mark the Rio announcement, the NFL released a new video showcasing the city’s beaches, skyline, and Maracanã’s history. It’s a preview of what fans can expect when the league lands in Brazil once again – but this time, on an even bigger stage.
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