The Dallas Cowboys announced Thursday that they were one of the teams chosen to be part of the first NFL regular season game to be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2026.
“We’re on our way to Brazil,” was the announcement posted by the Lone Star team on their social networks along with a photograph of Dak Prescott, their ‘quarterback’, with the iconic Christ the Redeemer in the background of that city.
The Cowboys will make history
After back-to-back games in 2024 (Philadelphia Eagles-Green Bay Packers) and 2025 (Los Angeles Chargers-Kansas City Chiefs) that were played at the Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, the Cowboys will be one of the first teams to play at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
“We are proud to welcome the Dallas Cowboys to Brazil for the first NFL game in Rio de Janeiro.”
“The arrival of one of the NFL’s most iconic teams at the Maracana marks a major milestone in the growth of the sport worldwide.”
said Luis Martinez, general manager of NFL Brazil.
According to NFL data, the South American country has more than 36 million fans of this league.
It is therefore considered one of its most important international markets.
“Bringing a regular season game to Rio de Janeiro strengthens our connection to a vibrant and passionate American soccer community.”
“And it underscores our long-term commitment to the market,” Martinez added.
The NFL accelerates its international expansion
This game will be the first of three that the NFL has agreed to bring to Rio de Janeiro over the next five years.
Through last year, the league has played 62 regular season games outside the United States.
They have been distributed among London, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Madrid, Dublin, São Paulo, Mexico City and Toronto.
For the 2026 season, the league has scheduled nine games outside of U.S. territory, a record since these tours began.
The cities announced for this campaign, in addition to Rio de Janeiro, are:
Madrid, Mexico City, Melbourne, Munich, Paris and London, which will host the most, with three matches.
We are proud to welcome the Dallas Cowboys to Brazil
Luis Martínez
NFL comes to Australia with the 49ers vs Rams classic
The National Football League (NFL) confirmed Thursday that the San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams in the first regular season game to be held in Melbourne, Australia, this year.
“We are thrilled to have the San Francisco 49ers take on the Los Angeles Rams.”
“The 49ers make up one of the most popular franchises in Australia and this great rivalry game will be an incredible NFL experience for our Australian fans.”
Said Charlotte Offord, NFL general manager in Australia and New Zealand.
The game in Melbourne, which will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, is part of a record nine international games that the NFL will have this year in seven countries and eight different stadiums.
The 49ers, with four Super Bowls won, are along with the Dallas Cowboys, the second highest winners of Lombardi Trophies, with five each.
Only behind the six held by the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers.
“This is a terrific opportunity to continue to support the NFL in its mission to advance American soccer.”
“We look forward to working with the league to benefit Australian communities through sport,” said Al Guido, executive director of the 49ers.
Rams celebrate bringing historic rivalry to Australia
Kevin Demoff, president of the Los Angeles Rams, said it will be a source of pride to face their fiercest rival in the National Football Conference (NFC) West division on the other side of the world.
“By making history with the NFL and bringing the first regular season game to Australia, we are pleased to bring our showdown against our classic NFC West rivals, the San Francisco 49ers.”
“We know there is great enthusiasm among our fans for this game,” Kevin Demoff said.
According to league data, there are just over 7.5 million NFL fans in Australia.
Country in which since 2022 the league has several flag football programs, as well as an NFL Academy, since 2024.
With information from EFE
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com
