NFL expansion in Brazil may take unexpected turn in 2026 as another city emerges as contender to host games instead of São Paulo
The NFL had its first game in Brazil last year with the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers playing in São Paulo. Another edition will happen at the Corinthians Arena in 2025, with the Los Angeles Chargers, but another city might be in the league's plans next year. According to Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo […]
The NFL had its first game in Brazil last year with the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers playing in São Paulo. Another edition will happen at the Corinthians Arena in 2025, with the Los Angeles Chargers, but another city might be in the league's plans next year.
According to Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo Paes, the city could host a game in 2026.
"We were talking in a meeting with the NFL guys, from football, which, to be honest, is something I don't follow much," Paes said during an event according to CNN Brazil. "They played a game in São Paulo last year, and I've already pulled some strings to have it here in Rio in 2026. This wasn't supposed to leak, but oh well, too late now."
It's not clear at this point what the NFL intends to do. Possibly, it could mean an expansion to two NFL games in Brazil during the same season, one in Rio de Janeiro and one in São Paulo.
"The NFL announced the game in São Paulo using images of Rio's beaches, Christ the Redeemer, and Pão de Açúcar Mountain," Paes added. "Rio is a desirable, sexy city where people want to be."
The NFL has praised the early results from its market expansion in Brazil, leading to a constant presence in the country.
"After a successful and memorable first game in Brazil in 2024, we are delighted to confirm the league's return to São Paulo with the Los Angeles Chargers as the designated team in what will be an incredible next chapter in the market," said NFL Brazil general manager Luis Martinez earlier this year. "Alongside our partners — SPTuris, Mayor (Ricardo) Nunes and the Corinthians — we will continue to make history together and look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for passionate fans of the game once again in Brazil."
In Rio de Janeiro, a potential NFL game would happen at Maracanã. The league inspected the stadium in 2023 before selecting Corinthians Arena as the host venue for the 2024 and 2025 games. Maracanã is Brazil's most iconic stadium, having hosted the FIFA World Cup finals in 1950 and 2014, and has a capacity of 73,000 fans.
How football became popular in Brazil
São Paulo is going to host an NFL game in 2024
