The NFL returns to Brazil next season for the first in a series of three regular season games over the next five years.
The 2026 game held at Maracaña Stadium will be the third ever NFL contest held in Brazil; the previous two matchups took place in São Paulo 2024 (Packers-Eagles) and 2025 (Chiefs-Chargers.)
Rio move solidifies future travel opportunities
This newly announced agreement to host a series of games in Rio provides additional travel opportunities for football fans in the U.S. and Brazil alike. What was once a novelty has now become routine, as international matchups are part of the NFL’s annual scheduling process. Brazil becoming a staple of the league’s featured overseas games ensures fans will have at least three additional chances for cross-continent road trips over the next several years.
The addition to the league’s 2026 calendar comes as the league continues to expand its international presence; this year’s NFL schedule features games in Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland, and Brazil, comprising the most ambitious slate of games away from U.S. soil in the league’s history. In 2026, games have already been announced in Mexico City and Melbourne, Australia, in addition to the annual game in London hosted by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Additional games in Germany and Spain are expected as well.
Next Steps
There has been no announcement regarding a game date or participating teams, so it’s probably a bit early to make any travel plans. Having said that, if you are thinking you’d like to be there regardless of who is playing, both of the previous games in Brazil were played on the first Friday of the season. If that trend continued, this game would be played on September 11, 2026. Just make sure any reservations can be canceled without penalty, just in case your plans change or the NFL changes up the scheduling window of the game.
