The NFL is expanding its South American footprint further with the announcement that the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens will meet in Rio de Janeiro this fall. The game, scheduled for September 27, 2026, marks the league’s first-ever regular-season contest in the iconic Brazilian city.
The matchup will take place at the world-famous Maracanã Stadium, a venue typically reserved for global soccer spectacles and Olympic events. While the Cowboys had already been confirmed as a participant earlier this year, the league officially revealed the Ravens as their opponent and finalized the date during the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
Key Details of the Matchup:
- Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET (3:25 p.m. CT)
- Broadcast: The game will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+, with mobile access available via NFL+.
- Historical Significance: This is only the second international regular-season game in Cowboys history and their first since 2014. For the NFL, it represents a continued commitment to Brazil, which boasts a fan base of over 36 million.
Owners from both franchises expressed enthusiasm for the “global stage.” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones called it a “special” opportunity for the organization, while Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti highlighted the “passionate sports fans” in South America.
The Rio game is part of an ambitious 2026 international schedule featuring a record nine games across seven countries, including stops in London, Madrid, Mexico City, and Paris. This move reinforces the NFL’s long-term strategy in Brazil, where the league has committed to playing at least three games over the next five years.