Cowboys to Face Ravens in Historic NFL Debut at Rio’s Maracanã Stadium on Sept. 27

Context The National Football League (NFL) confirmed in February that the Dallas Cowboys would play in the league’s first-ever game held in Rio de Janeiro. On Friday, the league announced the Baltimore Ravens as their opponent for this historic matchup. This game represents the first of three NFL regular-season matchups scheduled over a five-year period in Brazil.

The choice of Brazil follows the league's successful engagement with fans during games in São Paulo in 2024 and 2025. These events attracted significant international crowds, demonstrating a growing market for American football in South America. The game will take place at Maracanã Stadium, a venue renowned for hosting major international soccer events, home to clubs like Fluminense and Flamengo.

Key Facts The Cowboys-Ravens game in Brazil is scheduled for Week 3 of the NFL season on Sunday, September 27, with a kickoff at 4:25 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). CBS and Paramount+ will broadcast the game. The matchup is designated as a home game for the Dallas Cowboys.

Both teams have recent international experience. The Cowboys last played internationally in 2014, defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-17 at Wembley Stadium in London. The Ravens’ most recent international appearance was in 2023, when they secured a 24-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans at Tottenham Stadium, also in London. Neither team made the playoffs last season, with the Ravens finishing 8-9 and the Cowboys 7-9-1.

What It Means This event underscores the NFL's intensified focus on global market penetration. The 2026 NFL season will feature a record nine international games, played across four continents and seven countries. This expansion signals a strategic move to cultivate new fan bases and revenue streams outside the United States.

Hosting an NFL game at Maracanã Stadium, a venue deeply rooted in Brazilian soccer culture, symbolizes a direct engagement with local sports enthusiasts. This move aims to expand the league's global footprint beyond traditional markets. Observers will monitor fan engagement and logistical execution to gauge the long-term viability of additional international fixtures.