Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, February 10, 2026
The NFL has announced that the Dallas Cowboys will play a regular-season game in Rio de Janeiro, marking the first official game at the Maracanã Stadium. This game, part of the league’s efforts to expand its international presence, will engage the vibrant market of over 36 million NFL fans in Brazil. The event promises significant local economic impact as small businesses prepare for an influx of visitors and heightened fan engagement. This underscores the NFL’s commitment to global growth with plans for more international games in the 2026 season.
Dallas Cowboys to Play Regular-Season Game in Brazil
NFL Expands Internationally, Connecting with Fans Worldwide
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – The National Football League (NFL) has announced that the Dallas Cowboys will play a regular-season game in Rio de Janeiro, marking the league’s first official game at the iconic Maracanã Stadium. As the NFL seeks to broaden its global reach, this event signals a noteworthy step in connecting with the vibrant international fanbase, particularly in a country rich with football enthusiasm.
This game is set for the upcoming season and represents the second official NFL regular-season contest in Brazil, following a previous matchup held in São Paulo. With over 36 million NFL fans residing in Brazil, the league’s efforts to tap into this dynamic market have been met with considerable excitement and potential growth opportunities. As small businesses and local entrepreneurs in the area gear up for this highly publicized event, the economic impact on the community could be significant.
Expanding Horizons: The NFL’s International Strategy
The upcoming game in Brazil is part of the NFL’s ambitious plan to host nine international games during the 2026 season, featuring locations such as London, Madrid, Paris, Munich, Mexico City, Melbourne, and Rio de Janeiro. This strategic move reflects the league’s commitment to fostering a global culture around American football while engaging new audiences worldwide. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has highlighted the substantial demand from potential host cities, indicating a growing interest in American football beyond U.S. borders.
Brazil: A Key Market for NFL Growth
With a robust fan base of over 36 million, Brazil offers a fertile ground for the NFL’s international expansion. The enthusiasm for NFL games among Brazilians presents unique opportunities for local businesses to align with the league’s marketing efforts, potentially boosting local economies during events such as this one. The connection between sports and business in the community highlights the resilience and innovation characteristic of Brazilian entrepreneurs who embrace such opportunities.
Return Engagements: Madrid and Other Locations
The NFL’s international outreach is also marked by a multi-year commitment to Madrid, where games are scheduled at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. This initiative emphasizes the NFL’s strategy to engage more actively with football fans in Spain, where an estimated 11 million fans are awaiting the return of live American football experiences. Expanding the NFL’s international presence can provide a strong example of how limited regulation can foster business collaboration across borders, benefiting communities and fans alike.
Key Features of the NFL’s International Expansion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Game in Rio de Janeiro | First official regular-season NFL game at Maracanã Stadium, part of the league’s global expansion strategy. |
| Nine International Games in 2026 | Matchups in London, Madrid, Paris, Munich, Mexico City, Melbourne, and Rio de Janeiro, reflecting the NFL’s commitment to global growth. |
| Return to Madrid | Multi-year commitment to play games at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in 2026 and 2027, engaging with Spain’s 11 million NFL fans. |
| Brazil’s NFL Fanbase | Over 36 million NFL fans in Brazil, making it a significant market for the league’s international initiatives. |
Conclusion: A New Era for NFL and Fans
The Dallas Cowboys’ inaugural game in Rio de Janeiro illustrates the NFL’s commitment to expanding its international footprint and enhancing community connections through sports. As entrepreneurs and small businesses prepare for an influx of visitors and increased fan engagement during this event, the potential benefits to the local economy are clear. This significant milestone reflects the broader themes of innovation and growth that are vital in today’s interconnected world. Readers are encouraged to support local businesses and show enthusiasm for the opportunities that events like these bring to the Dallas community and beyond.
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Dallas Cowboys Make History with Regular-Season Game in Rio
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
