The National Football League has announced a landmark multiyear agreement to bring at least three regular-season games to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, beginning in 2026. The move is part of the NFL’s continued push for global expansion, capitalizing on surging international interest and leveraging Brazil’s deepening connection to American football.

The first game under this arrangement is set to take place at the world-famous Maracanã Stadium, a venue that has hosted Olympic events, FIFA World Cup matches, and now will welcome the gridiron.

“We could not be more excited to play in one of the world’s most iconic cities — Rio de Janeiro,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “We look forward to working closely with our city and state partners in Rio along with the historic Maracanã Stadium to deepen our ties to the tens of millions of fans in Brazil and across South America.”

The announcement builds on the success of the NFL’s recent games in São Paulo, where the league drew over 47,000 fans in 2025 for a Kickoff Weekend showdown between the Chargers and Chiefs. Brazil is now recognized as the second-largest international NFL market, boasting over 36 million fans.

Rio de Janeiro’s mayor Eduardo Paes expressed excitement about the NFL’s inclusion in the city’s official events calendar.

“It will be a historic event. I’m looking forward to seeing an American football game at Maracanã, the most iconic temple of world football.”

Governor Cláudio Castro added that the NFL’s presence in Rio is expected to bring a major economic and tourism boost, positioning the city as a key player in international sports.

This expansion is part of a broader NFL international initiative that includes upcoming games in London, Dublin, Berlin, Madrid, and Melbourne. The 2026 season will also mark the NFL’s debut in Australia, with a game scheduled at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Beyond game day, the NFL plans to engage Brazilian fans through NFL Flag programs, youth development, and community events, further strengthening grassroots interest and building a new generation of fans in South America.

With this bold expansion into Rio, the NFL continues to prove that football truly is going global.