Sun Sep 07 14:10:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**NFL Eyes Rio de Janeiro for 2026 Game Following Success in São Paulo**

**[City, State] – [Date]** – Following the successful debut of the NFL in South America with the Chiefs vs Chargers game in São Paulo, Brazil, the league is reportedly planning to expand its presence in the region. Multiple sources have confirmed that the NFL is expected to host a game in Rio de Janeiro in 2026.

Rio de Janeiro, a city renowned for hosting major global events like the 2016 Summer Olympics and multiple World Cup finals, has been on the NFL’s radar for years. Maracanã Stadium, the iconic venue that hosted the Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies, is the likely candidate to host the game.

This move signifies the NFL’s continued push into international markets. Brazil boasts an estimated 36 million NFL fans, making it the second-largest international market after Mexico. The league has been investing heavily in international growth, with plans to host seven international games this year, including a debut in Berlin. The Rams are slated to play in Melbourne next year, marking the league’s presence on its fourth continent.

While the 2024 game in São Paulo was deemed a success, with over 50,000 in attendance, concerns about the playing surface were addressed in the weeks leading up to the game. The NFL is looking forward to an even bigger and better experience in Rio.

The NFL has scheduled this year’s game in Brazil on a Friday in Week 1 because of Labor Day.

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