NFL to Bring Regular Season Game to Maracanã in 2026
The National Football League (NFL) commissioner, Roger Goodell, announced that the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will host the first regular season game in 2026.Goodell detailed that the agreement contemplates a minimum of three regular season games in Rio de Janeiro over the next five years, starting in 2026.“Following the success of the games in São Paulo, we are extremely excited to play in one of the most emblematic cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro, in the historic Maracanã stadium, which will strengthen our ties with the tens of millions of fans in Brazil and throughout South America.”
Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner
Brazil has a significant NFL fanbase, estimated at over 36 million fans. The inclusion of Brazil as the host of the NFL international series of games is a reflection of this growing fanbase. The first regular season game in South America took place at the Arena Corinthians on September 6, 2024, with the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the Green Bay Packers. On September 5th, São Paulo once again hosted an NFL game, where the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. Throughout NFL history, 56 regular season games have been played at international venues, including Frankfurt, London, Mexico City, Munich, São Paulo, and Toronto. In addition to the game in São Paulo, Dublin, London, Berlin and Madrid will also host matches in the current season. In 2026, Melbourne, Australia, will join the list of international venues by hosting a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.“Brazil is the second-largest consumer of American football outside the United States. Bringing the NFL to Rio is a milestone that will boost tourism, create jobs, stimulate the economy, and demonstrate the strength of our state as an international sports destination.”
Cláudio Castro, Governor of Rio de Janeiro
