The Dallas Cowboys are officially going global in 2026 - and this time, they're heading to Brazil.
After weeks of speculation, it’s confirmed: the Cowboys will be part of the NFL’s international slate next season, marking their first overseas appearance in more than a decade. Their last trip abroad came in 2014, but this time, they’re going somewhere the NFL has never been before - Rio de Janeiro.
That’s right. The Cowboys are set to play in the iconic Maracanã Stadium, a venue steeped in soccer history but now preparing to welcome American football for the very first time. It’s a bold move, and one that aligns with Jerry Jones’ long-standing vision of expanding the Cowboys brand far beyond U.S. borders.
We don’t yet know who Dallas will face in Brazil - potential opponents include the Buccaneers, Titans, Jaguars, 49ers, Cardinals, and Ravens - but whoever lines up across from them, it’s going to be a marquee matchup. When the Cowboys play, the spotlight follows.
And when they play internationally? It becomes a full-blown event.
There’s also an interesting wrinkle here: this will reportedly be a home game for the Cowboys. That means giving up a coveted date at AT&T Stadium - and the revenue that comes with it.
But clearly, the franchise sees the long game. The international market is a goldmine, and the Cowboys are betting big on their global appeal.
From a football standpoint, this trip comes at a pivotal moment. After a disappointing 2025 campaign - one that saw them miss the playoffs for a third straight year - Dallas is looking to reset and reassert itself as a contender. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer, entering his second season at the helm, will have the opportunity to lead his team into uncharted territory, both literally and figuratively.
There’s also a chance for Schottenheimer to turn this international spotlight into a rallying point for his squad. A trip like this can galvanize a locker room, especially one trying to shake off the sting of recent seasons. It’s a fresh stage, a new challenge, and a chance to show the world what the Cowboys are building.
And let’s not ignore the marketing upside. This is the Dallas Cowboys we’re talking about - arguably the most recognizable brand in American sports.
Playing in Brazil, in one of the world’s most famous stadiums, is right in line with the franchise’s global ambitions. Jerry Jones has never been shy about thinking big, and this move fits that mold perfectly.
While we wait for the official opponent announcement and schedule details, one thing’s already clear: the Cowboys are stepping into 2026 with a bigger vision. A team that hasn’t sniffed the postseason in years is now taking its talents to South America, hoping to spark a new era - and maybe even a little magic - under the Rio sun.
There’s still plenty to sort out, but one thing’s for sure: the Cowboys are going international, and the NFL’s global footprint just got a little more star-studded.