Full Breakdown
NFL's First Regular-Season Game in Rio de Janeiro: Ravens vs. Cowboys
4/25/2026, 8:35:25 PM
Core Event: Inaugural Rio Game Details
On September 27, 2026 (Week 3), the Baltimore Ravens will travel to Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium to face the Dallas Cowboys. The contest begins at 4:25 p.m. ET and will be televised nationally on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. It marks the NFL’s first regular-season game in Rio and the league’s third international matchup in Brazil after São Paulo contests in 2024 and 2025.
Background & Context: NFL’s International Expansion in Brazil
The league announced a multi-year commitment to stage at least three regular-season games in Rio over the next five years, part of a broader schedule of nine international games across four continents in the 2026 season. Brazil, with an estimated 36 million NFL fans, has hosted two prior games in São Paulo, establishing a foothold for future South-American growth.
Key Figures & Teams
- Baltimore Ravens – Owner Steve Bisciotti; quarterback Lamar Jackson (two-time MVP); first-year head coach Jesse Minter (formerly Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator). The Ravens’ last meeting with the Cowboys in 2024 resulted in a Baltimore victory.
- Dallas Cowboys – Owner and general manager Jerry Jones; quarterback Dak Prescott. The Cowboys entered 2026 with the league’s second-best passing attack but a defense that allowed a league-worst 30.1 points per game in 2025.
- NFL Brazil – General Manager Luis Martinez, overseeing the league’s South-American operations.
Timeline of Announcement and Upcoming Game
- April 1, 2026 – NFL confirms Ravens-Cowboys Rio matchup during the 2026 draft broadcast.
- April 2026 – CBS secures broadcast rights; Paramount+ added as streaming partner.
- September 27, 2026 – Game to be played at Maracanã Stadium (capacity ~79,000).
Data & Statistics
- Maracanã Stadium can accommodate nearly 79,000 spectators.
- Brazil hosts roughly 36 million NFL fans, making it a key international market.
- The 2026 season will feature nine international contests in seven countries.
- Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was sacked 36 times in the 2025 season, tying for ninth-most in the league.
- The Cowboys defense surrendered 30.1 points per game in 2025, the league’s worst.
Official Statements & Responses
The NFL reiterated its commitment to expanding the sport globally, noting the Rio game as a “powerful milestone” in connecting with passionate South-American fans. CBS highlighted the network’s excitement to bring the marquee matchup to a worldwide audience. Both owners, Bisciotti and Jones, expressed honor at representing their franchises in Brazil, emphasizing the cultural significance and fan enthusiasm expected at the Maracanã.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are proud to welcome the Dallas Cowboys to Brazil for the first-ever NFL game in Rio de Janeiro,” — Luis Martinez, NFL Brazil General Manager
- “Introducing one of the league's most iconic teams to the Maracanã Stadium marks a powerful milestone in the continued growth of the sport worldwide.” — Luis Martinez, NFL Brazil General Manager
- “We are honored to be chosen for the NFL's first-ever game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,” — Steve Bisciotti, Ravens Owner
- “The international expansion of our great game has been remarkable. South America is home to some of the world's most passionate sports fans, including our Ravens Flock in Brazil. We look forward to playing in the iconic Maracanã Stadium against the Dallas Cowboys, as our league continues to engage with fans across the globe.” — Steve Bisciotti, Ravens Owner
- “Playing in the legendary Maracanã Stadium against the Ravens in front of such a passionate and growing fan base on a global stage will be very special for our team, our entire Cowboys organization and the millions watching back home and around the world,” — Jerry Jones, Cowboys Owner & GM
Why It Matters: Global Growth and Market Impact
The Rio contest showcases the NFL’s strategy to tap into Brazil’s sizable fan base, diversify revenue streams, and strengthen brand presence across continents. Successful execution could accelerate future games in South America and influence sponsorship, merchandise, and media-rights negotiations.
What’s Next: Broadcast Plans and Future Rio Games
CBS will lead the television broadcast with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo slated as the play-by-play and color commentary team. Paramount+ will stream the game globally. The league has pledged additional Rio regular-season games through 2030, ensuring the Maracanã remains a recurring venue for NFL international showcases.
