Cowboys and Ravens to Play NFL's First Game in Rio de Janeiro

The matchup between the two storied franchises will take place in Week 3 of the 2026 season.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:52pm by Ben Kaplan

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The NFL has announced that the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens will face off in the league's first-ever regular season game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during Week 3 of the 2026 season. The game will be played at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, which previously hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup final.

Why it matters

The NFL has been steadily growing its international presence, with regular season games played in London, Mexico City, and most recently São Paulo, Brazil. Bringing a matchup between two of the league's most popular teams to Rio de Janeiro is a significant milestone that demonstrates the NFL's commitment to expanding its global fanbase.

The details

The Cowboys and Ravens will be the first NFL teams to play a regular season game in Rio de Janeiro. The matchup will take place in Week 3 of the 2026 season, though the exact date and kickoff time have not yet been announced. Both teams have previous experience playing international games, with the Cowboys last playing overseas in 2014 and the Ravens having played in London in 2017 and 2023.

  • The NFL announced the Cowboys-Ravens matchup in Rio de Janeiro in February 2026.
  • The game will take place during Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Dallas Cowboys

One of the NFL's most popular and successful franchises, known as "America's Team". The Cowboys last played an international game in 2014.

Baltimore Ravens

A perennial playoff contender and Super Bowl champion, the Ravens have previously played regular season games in London in 2017 and 2023.

Dak Prescott

The star quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.

Lamar Jackson

The star quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing an NFL game to Rio de Janeiro is a major milestone for the league's international growth. The Cowboys and Ravens are two of the most popular teams, and we're excited to showcase their talent to the passionate Brazilian fanbase.”

— Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner

What’s next

The NFL will continue to work with local organizers in Rio de Janeiro to finalize the details of the game, including the exact date, kickoff time, and ticket sales.

The takeaway

The NFL's decision to host a regular season game in Rio de Janeiro demonstrates the league's commitment to expanding its global reach and introducing American football to new international markets. This matchup between the Cowboys and Ravens will be a landmark event that could pave the way for more NFL games in Brazil and South America in the years to come.