The Baltimore Ravens have been selected to face the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL's first-ever game in Rio de Janeiro next season, the league announced during the draft on Friday night. The matchup is scheduled for September 27 at the iconic Maracana Stadium, with CBS and Paramount+ broadcasting the late afternoon contest.
Ravens Owner Expresses Honor
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti expressed his pride in being chosen for the historic event. 'We are honored to be selected for the NFL's first game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,' he said in a statement. 'The international growth of our sport has been remarkable. South America is home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the world, including our Ravens Flock in Brazil. We look forward to playing at the legendary Maracana Stadium against the Dallas Cowboys as our league continues to connect with fans globally.'
Cowboys' Perspective
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones also shared his enthusiasm. 'Playing in the legendary Maracana Stadium against the Ravens in front of such a passionate and expanding fan base on a global stage will be incredibly special for our team, our entire Cowboys organization, and the millions watching back home and around the world,' he remarked.
NFL's International Expansion
The NFL has committed to staging at least three regular-season games in Rio de Janeiro over the next five years. While the league has already hosted two games in Brazil—the Green Bay Packers versus the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 and the Kansas City Chiefs against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025, both at Sao Paulo's Corinthians Arena—this will be the first in Rio.
The 2026 Rio game is part of a record nine international contests scheduled for the upcoming season, spanning four continents, seven countries, and eight stadiums. The slate includes three games in London, and one each at Madrid's Bernabeu Stadium, Melbourne's Cricket Ground, Mexico City's Estadio Banorte, Munich's Allianz Arena, and Paris' Stade de France.
