Major Announcement: NFL Agrees Multi-Year Deal for Rio Games

The NFL is poised to enhance its global presence by announcing a multi-year agreement to host games in Rio de Janeiro starting in 2026. This landmark decision signifies the league’s ongoing efforts to extend its reach beyond American borders, making it accessible to a wider audience of football enthusiasts worldwide.

This upcoming matchup in Rio will mark the third regular-season game to take place in Brazil, following the successful hosting of games in Sao Paulo during the previous two NFL seasons. Such initiatives highlight the NFL’s commitment to developing a robust fanbase in Brazil, a country where American football has been gaining immense popularity. As part of this new agreement, the league has guaranteed a minimum of three regular-season games over the span of five years to be played at the renowned Maracana Stadium, a venue steeped in sports history and excitement.

The NFL estimates that there are over 36 million fans in Brazil, making it the largest market for American football in South America. Claudio Castro, the governor of Rio de Janeiro, emphasized this sentiment by stating, “Brazil is now the second-largest consumer of American football outside the United States, and thousands of tourists and sports fans have dreamed of experiencing this event at the world’s most famous stadium.” His words reflect the growing passion for the sport and the eagerness of Brazilian fans to witness live games in such a prestigious arena.

Beyond its Brazilian endeavors, the NFL is also expanding its global reach with plans for its inaugural game in Australia during the 2026 season at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. This move is part of a long-term commitment to engage with international audiences and enhance the sport’s visibility on the global stage. In addition, the league has established a consistent roster of games in London, which it has been hosting annually, solidifying its strategy to create a more worldwide presence.

This current NFL season is breaking records, as it features an unprecedented seven international games. Dublin is set to make history by hosting its very first regular-season game this coming Sunday, bringing the thrilling experience of American football to Ireland. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to additional games in Berlin and Madrid in November, further enriching the international football landscape.