The Dallas Cowboys are heading to Rio. In a landmark move for the NFL’s global expansion, the league announced that Dallas will play in the first-ever regular-season game in Brazil, set to take place at Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Maracanã Stadium during the 2026 season. It’s a big moment-not just for the Cowboys, but for the league’s continued push to plant its flag in new international markets.
This game marks the start of a five-year commitment to bring three regular-season matchups to Brazil, and it’s no coincidence that the NFL chose the Cowboys to kick things off. Love them or hate them, the Cowboys are one of the league’s biggest brands, and their appearance in Brazil is a clear signal that the NFL wants to make a splash. It’ll be Dallas’ first international game since their win over the Jaguars in London more than a decade ago.
While the date, time, and opponent are still under wraps, we do know the venue: Maracanã Stadium. That’s hallowed ground in the world of soccer-home to storied Brazilian clubs like Fluminense and Flamengo-and now it's set to host American football for the first time. With a capacity of nearly 79,000, it’s a fitting stage for a team that regularly plays in front of 80,000-plus at AT&T Stadium.
Luis Martinez, the general manager of NFL Brazil, called the Cowboys’ debut in Rio “a powerful milestone” for the sport’s growth. And he’s not wrong.
The NFL has been laying the groundwork in Brazil for a while now, with successful events in São Paulo in 2024 and 2025 drawing big crowds and plenty of buzz. This game in Rio, though, takes things to another level-it’s not an exhibition, it’s not a preseason tune-up.
It’s a real, regular-season contest that counts in the standings.
Rio's mayor, Eduardo Paes, echoed that sentiment, calling it a “historic event” and confirming that NFL games will now be part of the city’s official calendar. That’s a strong endorsement from local leadership and a sign that the league’s presence in Brazil isn’t just a one-off.
Of course, the Cowboys making the trip is notable in itself-especially given Jerry Jones’ long-standing reluctance to give up home games for international ones. The Cowboys owner and general manager has been vocal about the financial value of playing at AT&T Stadium, which consistently leads the league in attendance. As recently as December, Jones said he was “very reluctant” to take the Cowboys overseas, emphasizing that while international games might work for other teams, they didn’t make as much sense for Dallas.
But here we are. And while Jones had reportedly preferred a game in Mexico City-where the Cowboys have a massive fan base-Rio is getting the nod instead.
That said, the Cowboys won’t be giving up a home game. The expectation is that they’ll be the designated road team, and based on the league’s rotation, likely opponents include the Buccaneers, Cardinals, 49ers, Ravens, Titans, or Jaguars.
No matter who lines up across from them, it’s a safe bet the Cowboys’ offense will be ready to put on a show.
That offense is still expected to be one of the league’s most explosive in 2026. The defense?
That’s another story. Dallas struggled mightily on that side of the ball this past season and will need serious retooling if they want to contend.
But for fans in Brazil-and viewers around the world-this game is more about spectacle and momentum. It’s about showcasing the NFL in one of the most iconic stadiums in sports and giving international fans a front-row seat to America’s game.
Nine international games are on the slate for 2026, spanning four continents and seven countries. The NFL isn’t just dipping its toes into the global market anymore-it’s diving in headfirst. And with the Cowboys leading the charge in Brazil, the league is making sure its biggest stars are front and center.