NFL Plans Three Maracanã Games Over Five Years

The NFL announced a multiyear deal to play at least three regular-season games at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium beginning in 2026, to be staged over a five-year span. The move reflects Brazil's roughly 36 million NFL fans and officials say the games will deepen ties across South America while bringing tourism and jobs. Commissioner Roger Goodell said teams now volunteer to play abroad as the league expands international scheduling, including a planned game in Australia in 2026 and potential future games in Asia. The NFL is using teams' international marketing rights—including the Eagles, Lions, Dolphins and Patriots—to help determine participants for overseas contests. This weekend the league is staging its first regular-season game in Ireland (Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park), underscoring the broader push as the NFL continues rotating venues such as London, Berlin, Madrid and Mexico City.