The National Football League (NFL) has confirmed a multi-year agreement to stage games in Rio de Janeiro, beginning in 2026.
The deal will see at least three NFL regular-season matches played over five years at the iconic Maracana Stadium.
This move comes after Sao Paulo successfully hosted opening-week fixtures in each of the past two seasons. It will mark the NFL’s third regular-season appearance in Brazil, underlining the league’s commitment to strengthening its presence in South America.
Brazil’s growing fan base
The NFL estimates it has more than 36 million fans in Brazil, making it the second-largest market for American football outside the United States. Rio’s state governor, Claudio Castro, welcomed the announcement, saying the deal would boost both sports and tourism.
“Brazil is now the second-largest consumer of American football outside the United States, and thousands of tourists and sports fans have dreamed of experiencing this event at the world’s most famous stadium,” Castro said.
Push to global audience
The Rio deal forms part of a wider international expansion strategy by the NFL. In 2026, the league will also stage its first-ever game in Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, alongside its long-standing commitments in London.
This season alone, the NFL will host a record seven games outside the US. Dublin stages its first regular-season game this Sunday, while Berlin and Madrid are also set to host matches in November, further cementing the NFL’s bid to become a truly global sport.
NFL international games for 2025
Friday, 5 September – Kansas City Chiefs 21-27 Los Angeles Chargers (Sao Paulo)
Sunday, 28 September – Minnesota Vikings v Pittsburgh Steelers (Dublin)
Sunday, 5 October – Minnesota Vikings v Cleveland Browns (Tottenham, London)
Sunday, 12 October – Denver Broncos v New York Jets (Tottenham, London)
Sunday, 19 October – Los Angeles Rams v Jacksonville Jaguars (Wembley, London)
Sunday, 9 November – Atlanta Falcons v Indianapolis Colts (Berlin)
Sunday, 16 November – Washington Commanders v Miami Dolphins (Madrid).
BBC Sport
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