Rio de Janeiro will host at least 3 official Football League matches over the next 5 years
A this Friday (26.Set.2025) that will hold at least 3 regular season matches in Rio de Janeiro over the next 5 years. Maracanã will be the stage of the games, which will start from 2026.
The initiative is part of the overall expansion strategy of the Football League, which considers Brazil a priority market.
The games in Rio will be held after successful experiences in São Paulo. Neo Chemistry Arena has received two matches:
“Taking advantage of the success of the games in Sao Paulo, we could no longer be excited to play in one of the most iconic cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro. We look forward to working close to our municipal and state partners in Rio, in the historic Maracanã, deepening our ties with tens of millions of fans in Brazil and throughout South America”NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said.
The mayor of Rio de Janeiro, (PSD), said that the partnership of NFL with Rio “It’s the perfect marriage.”
“It will be a historic event with NFL games on the city’s official calendar. I am enthusiastic to see a football match in Maracanã, the most iconic temple of world football.”he declared.
NFL Global Expansion
The NFL has already played 56 regular season games internationally. Frankfurt, London, Mexico City, Munich, Sao Paulo and Toronto are among the cities that have already received matches.
Dublin, Berlin and Madrid will also host games in the coming weeks, as part of the 2025 international games. Melbourne, Australia, will host a match in 2026, marking the league debut in Oceania.
The last NFL game in Brazil, played between Chiefs and Charges, attracted 47,627 viewers. According to League data, the country has over 36 million football fans.
