The National Football League is breaking new ground in its global expansion strategy, announcing that the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs will make history by playing the first-ever NFL regular-season game in South America.
The groundbreaking fixture is scheduled for Week 1 of the 2024 season at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil—a venue that previously hosted matches during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. This move represents the league's most significant push into the South American market to date.
Chiefs Lead NFL's Global Charge
As back-to-back Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs have become the NFL's premier international ambassadors. The team's global popularity has skyrocketed thanks to the superstar duo of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, whose off-field prominence has reached new heights following his high-profile relationship with music icon Taylor Swift.
"The Chiefs have emerged as a global brand," noted NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "There's no better team to represent our league in this historic first game in Brazil."
Expanding the International Series
The Sao Paulo game marks the latest addition to the NFL's International Series, which has previously featured games in London, Munich, Frankfurt, and Mexico City. The league has committed to playing at least eight international games per season starting in 2025, reflecting the growing global appetite for American football.
Brazil represents a particularly promising market for the NFL, with the country boasting an estimated 38 million fans of American football—the largest fanbase outside the United States.
Logistical Challenges and Opportunities
The Week 1 timing presents unique challenges for both the Chiefs and their yet-to-be-named opponent. Teams typically open their seasons with home games, but the league has made an exception for this landmark event.
Despite the travel demands, players and coaches have largely embraced the international games. "It's incredible to see how our game connects people across borders," Mahomes commented during a recent press conference. "Playing in Brazil will be an unforgettable experience for our team."
The specific opponent, date, and kickoff time for the historic Sao Paulo game will be announced when the NFL reveals its full 2024 schedule this spring.
