The Dallas Cowboys are headed to Rio.
According to reports, the Cowboys are set to play an NFL game in Rio de Janeiro in 2026, marking a major step in the league’s continued push into international markets. While the NFL has staged games in Brazil before - specifically in São Paulo - this would be the first time the league lands in Rio, and they’re sending one of their biggest brands to do it.
This isn’t just another international matchup. It’s a calculated move by the NFL to plant its flag in one of South America’s most iconic cities, and there’s a reason the Cowboys are the team making the trip.
Love them or hate them, the Cowboys move the needle. They’re one of the most recognizable franchises in all of sports, and if you’re trying to make a splash in a new market, you send your biggest star.
That’s exactly what the league is doing here.
The game is expected to be part of Week 1, which makes sense. International games - especially ones that require significant travel - tend to be scheduled early in the season to give teams time to recover and recalibrate. That’s been the case with other international openers in the past, and all signs point to Dallas kicking off their 2026 campaign on Brazilian soil.
Earlier this week, there was some buzz about the Cowboys potentially playing in Mexico, a country where the NFL already has a strong following. But the latest reports have clarified that while an international game was always in the cards, Mexico wasn’t the likely destination this time around. That speculation can be put to rest - the Cowboys are heading to Rio.
This is part of a broader international expansion for the NFL in 2026. Along with Brazil, the league is also set to play games in Australia and Paris.
It’s a clear signal that the NFL isn’t just dipping its toe in the global waters - it’s diving in headfirst. And with the Cowboys leading the charge in Rio, the league is making sure it puts on a show.
For Dallas, this adds another layer to what’s already one of the most scrutinized and spotlight-heavy schedules in football. But that’s the price of being “America’s Team” - and now, maybe, Brazil’s too.