Sport
Key Facts
—The fixture. The Baltimore Ravens face the Dallas Cowboys at the Maracanã on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
—A first. It is the NFL’s first regular-season game in Rio, and the third in Brazil after two in São Paulo.
—Tickets. On sale now, with official travel and hospitality packages sold through the league’s provider.
—The venue. The Maracanã holds more than seventy-eight thousand, far above the roughly forty-seven thousand each São Paulo game drew.
—The commitment. Rio has a multi-year deal for at least three NFL games over five years.
The NFL Rio game now has confirmed teams, a date and tickets on sale. That means visiting fans can start planning in earnest, and here is the practical picture for anyone weighing a trip to see the Cowboys and Ravens at the Maracanã.
American football arrives in Rio de Janeiro for the first time on Sunday, September twenty-seven, in Week Three of the season. The choice of the Maracanã, world football’s most storied stadium, is the sort of image the league is chasing abroad.
Why this NFL Rio game is a bigger deal than São Paulo
Brazil has hosted two previous games, both at São Paulo’s Corinthians Arena, which each drew around forty-seven thousand fans. The Maracanã is a different order of venue, with capacity above seventy-eight thousand and a history that includes a World Cup final and an Olympic opening ceremony.
The matchup itself is a marquee one. The Cowboys are among the sport’s most valuable and widely followed franchises, and the game pairs two-time Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson against Dak Prescott.
Unlike the earlier Brazil fixtures, which opened their seasons, this one falls in Week Three. So both teams arrive with a couple of games already on tape, and for Rio the deal is framed as a multi-year commitment worth at least three games over five years.
The commercial logic behind the push is straightforward. Brazil is the league’s second-largest market outside the United States, with a fan base counted in the tens of millions, and city officials have sold the deal as a boost for tourism and jobs.
It also slots into a record international season. The Rio fixture is one of nine regular-season games the NFL is staging abroad in 2026, across cities from London and Madrid to Munich, Mexico City and, for the first time, Melbourne.
Tickets, packages and what it may cost
Tickets are on sale now through the league’s official channels, and full ticket details are confirmed as part of the wider international rollout. The NFL’s official hospitality partner is also selling travel-and-ticket packages for those who want the trip bundled together.
A word of realism on price. International NFL games tend to sell quickly and command premiums, so early planning pays, and resale listings should be treated with caution rather than as a reliable guide to face value.
Foreign residents already in Brazil have an edge here. They can skip the transatlantic flights and hotel bills that dominate a visitor’s budget, turning the occasion into a domestic weekend trip rather than a major overseas expedition.
Getting to the Maracanã and where to stay
The stadium sits in Tijuca, a residential district in the North Zone, and the metro is the sensible way in on a big match day. Two stations serve the ground, and which one you use depends on your gate, with a fare of under eight reais (about $2) and contactless payment at the turnstile.
Most visitors will prefer to base themselves elsewhere. From the beach neighborhoods of Copacabana, Ipanema or Botafogo, the metro reaches the Maracanã with a single transfer at Botafogo, while downtown offers a cheaper option that is still well connected.
If you arrive with time to spare, the official stadium tour is a genuine draw. It walks through the dressing rooms and a permanent exhibition of Brazilian football history, from Garrincha’s shirt to the footprints of Pelé.
A local club match, if the calendar allows, is the other way to feel what the venue was built for. Late September is the tail of Rio’s dry winter, which usually means comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
One practical note on timing. The game caps a stretch of the calendar the city is deliberately trying to fill with visitors.
When is the NFL Rio game and who is playing?
The game is on Sunday, September twenty-seven, 2026, at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro. The Baltimore Ravens face the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL’s first regular-season game in the city.
How do I get tickets?
Tickets are on sale now through the league’s official ticketing channels, and official travel-and-hospitality packages are available through the NFL’s designated provider. International games sell quickly, so booking early is advisable.
How do I get to the Maracanã on game day?
The metro is the best option, with two stations near the stadium and a fare of under eight reais. From the main beach neighborhoods you reach it with a single transfer at Botafogo, and rideshare is unreliable because streets around the ground close to traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the NFL game in Rio and who is playing?
The Baltimore Ravens play the Dallas Cowboys at the Maracanã on Sunday, September 27, 2026. It is the NFL's first regular-season game in Rio de Janeiro.
How do I get tickets for the game?
Tickets are on sale now through the NFL's official ticketing channels, and bundled travel-and-hospitality packages are available through the league's official hospitality partner. International NFL games tend to sell quickly, so booking early is a good idea.
How do I get to the Maracanã on game day?
The metro is the easiest option, with two stations serving the stadium and a fare of under eight reais (about $2). From the beach neighborhoods of Copacabana, Ipanema or Botafogo, you can reach the ground with a single transfer at Botafogo station.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error
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