Dallas Cowboys to Make NFL History With 2026 Regular-Season Game in Rio de Janeiro

The Dallas Cowboys are preparing to make NFL history in the 2026 season, as they become the first team ever to play a regular-season game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This landmark matchup represents a major step forward in the NFL’s global expansion strategy and reinforces the Cowboys’ reputation as one of the league’s most internationally recognized franchises.

The National Football League officially announced on Thursday night (February 5, 2026) that the Cowboys will host a regular-season game at Estádio Nilton Santos — commonly known as Engenhão — in Rio de Janeiro. The announcement marks the league’s third consecutive year hosting an NFL game in Brazil, following successful matchups in São Paulo during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

With this move, the NFL is not only expanding its presence in South America but also delivering a historic moment for Dallas Cowboys fans worldwide.

Cowboys Set for Historic First NFL Game in Rio

https://twitter.com/i/status/2019566064124768732

The 2026 matchup will be the first time an NFL regular-season game is played in Rio de Janeiro, one of the most iconic and vibrant cities in the world. While the league has already tested the Brazilian market in São Paulo over the past two seasons, shifting to Rio represents a significant upgrade in global visibility, tourism appeal, and cultural impact.

Estádio Nilton Santos, a renowned venue in Brazilian sports, will serve as the stage for this groundbreaking event. Known for hosting major soccer matches and international competitions, the stadium is expected to deliver an electric atmosphere when American football arrives in the city for the first time.

For the Dallas Cowboys, this will mark their second-ever regular-season international game. Their first came in 2014 when they faced the Jacksonville Jaguars at London’s Wembley Stadium, narrowly losing 31-30 in a thrilling contest. Before that, Dallas participated in nine international preseason games between 1998 and 2012, building a strong global fanbase long before the NFL’s current international push.

Dallas Cowboys 2026 Opponents Revealed

Earlier this week, the NFL confirmed the Cowboys’ full list of 2026 regular-season opponents. While the exact home and away schedule has not yet been finalized — aside from divisional matchups — one of these teams will travel to Rio de Janeiro for the historic game.

The Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 opponents include:

• Philadelphia Eagles (twice)

• Washington Commanders (twice)

• New York Giants (twice)

• Jacksonville Jaguars

• Tennessee Titans

• Baltimore Ravens

• Arizona Cardinals

• San Francisco 49ers

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Green Bay Packers

• Houston Texans

• Indianapolis Colts

• Seattle Seahawks

• Los Angeles Rams

The opponent for the Rio game has not yet been officially announced, but it will come from this list. Most analysts expect a non-divisional opponent to be selected, allowing the NFL to maximize international appeal and avoid competitive disadvantages within the NFC East.

High-profile teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, or Baltimore Ravens could be strong candidates, given their global fanbases and star power.

Why Rio de Janeiro and Why the Cowboys?

The NFL’s decision to host a regular-season game in Rio de Janeiro reflects its aggressive strategy to expand internationally and tap into new markets. Brazil has quickly emerged as one of the league’s top global priorities, thanks to impressive attendance figures and strong fan engagement during the São Paulo games in 2024 and 2025.

Brazil already has millions of NFL fans, making it one of the largest American football audiences outside the United States. By moving a game to Rio — a city known worldwide for its culture, tourism, and sporting passion — the league aims to elevate its brand presence across South America.

Selecting the Dallas Cowboys as the featured team for this historic event is no coincidence. Often referred to as “America’s Team,” the Cowboys are one of the most valuable and recognizable sports franchises on the planet. Their global appeal, combined with a roster full of star players, makes them the ideal choice to headline the NFL’s first regular-season game in Rio.

Superstars such as quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and defensive standout Micah Parsons bring massive international recognition and excitement. The Cowboys also boast one of the largest international fanbases in the NFL, including a rapidly growing following in Brazil.

What This Means for the 2026 NFL Season

https://x.com/dallascowboys/status/2019566207918371308/photo/1

The 2026 Cowboys game in Rio de Janeiro carries major implications for both the franchise and the NFL as a whole.

Historic milestone:
This will be the first NFL regular-season game ever played in Rio de Janeiro, marking a new chapter in the league’s international expansion and strengthening its footprint in South America.

Home game designation:
Under the NFL’s international game rotation system, the Rio matchup will count as a home game for the Dallas Cowboys. This means Dallas will effectively have nine home games in the United States and one “home” game abroad during the 2026 season.

Global growth strategy:
The event reinforces the NFL’s long-term commitment to international growth. Following successful games in London, Mexico City, Germany, and São Paulo, expanding into Rio demonstrates the league’s confidence in Brazil as a premier global market.

Fan engagement worldwide:
Cowboys fans across the globe — particularly in Brazil — are already generating buzz about the historic matchup. For many South American fans, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the NFL’s most iconic teams play live.

A Landmark Moment for the Cowboys and the NFL

The Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 game in Rio de Janeiro is more than just another entry on the schedule — it is a defining moment for the franchise and the league. As the NFL continues to grow beyond U.S. borders, staging a regular-season game in one of the world’s most famous cities highlights the sport’s rapidly expanding global reach.

With star power, international appeal, and a passionate fanbase, the Cowboys are perfectly positioned to deliver an unforgettable spectacle in Brazil. The only question remaining is which opponent will share the field for this historic showdown.

One thing is certain: when the Dallas Cowboys take the field in Rio in 2026, the eyes of the football world will be watching.