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Dallas Cowboys to Play Historic Game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2026
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- Dallas Cowboys to Play Historic Game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2026
The NFL has put in a lot of effort into growing football outside the United States. Last season, seven regular-season games were played across five countries, the most in league history: Brazil, Ireland, England, Germany and France.
The league has further expanded the international games for 2026 . Next season, nine games will be played abroad. The NFL will hold games in Brazil, Mexico, England, Germany, Spain and France. And for the first time in league history, Australia will also host a regular-season game.
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The Cowboys announced on Thursday that they will be part of the NFL's 2026 global initiative. For the first time in team history, Dallas will head to Rio de Janeiro for a regular-season game.
"The Cowboys are headed overseas for the first time since 2014 and will play their first-ever game in South America with a scheduled game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil," read an excerpt from the team's announcement .
This marks just the second overseas game for the Cowboys. In 2014, they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars , 31-17, at Wembley Stadium in London.
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The NFL has not yet announced the date or Dallas' opponent for the game. However, it will be played at Maracanã Stadium, which can hold crowds of 150,000 or more.
This will also be the first time Rio de Janeiro will host an NFL game. The two previous contests in Brazil were played in São Paulo.
Related: Dallas Cowboys Hire New Coach on Monday
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
