In a groundbreaking move for American football, the National Football League has confirmed a historic first: a regular-season game will be played in South America. The opening Friday of the 2024 season will see the Kansas City Chiefs, led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo, Brazil.
The announcement, made by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, signals a major expansion of the league's international ambitions. This marks the first time the NFL will host a game in South America, moving beyond its established fixtures in London and Germany.
A Friday Night Spectacle
Breaking from the traditional Sunday schedule, this electrifying season opener is slated for Friday, September 6th. The choice of a Friday night is a strategic one, aimed at capturing a prime-time global audience and maximising viewership for this landmark event.
Star Power and Super Bowl History
The matchup is a dream for fans, featuring a replay of Super Bowl LVII. That unforgettable game saw Mahomes and the Chiefs narrowly defeat the Eagles 38-35. This rematch on neutral territory adds a compelling layer of narrative, pitting two of the league's most dynamic teams against each other once again.
The game will showcase a wealth of talent, including Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, whose fame has transcended the sport, and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Expanding the Global Footprint
This fixture is part of the NFL's robust 2024 International Series, which also includes five games in London and one in Munich. The selection of São Paulo, the most populous city in the Americas, underscores the league's commitment to growing its fanbase in new and lucrative markets.
This strategic play not only brings the game to millions of passionate Brazilian fans but also solidifies the NFL's status as a truly global sporting powerhouse.
