The Dallas Cowboys, America's Team, are set to extend their global footprint in a landmark announcement confirming they will play a 2026 regular-season game in Brazil. This marks the franchise's first regular-season game outside the United States in 12 years, spotlighting a significant moment for the NFL's ongoing international growth and underlining the Cowboys' role as one of the world's most recognizable sports brands.
The official confirmation came from the Cowboys' headquarters at The Star in Frisco and was published on DallasCowboys.com on February 26, 2026. While specific details such as the opponent, exact date, and final Brazilian host city are pending and expected closer to the NFL schedule release in May, the franchise revealed the game will take place at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. This historic venue has hosted some of the largest sporting crowds in history, including multiple World Cup soccer matches.
A Return to International Play After More Than a Decade
The Cowboys' last regular-season game abroad was in 2014, when they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-17 at Wembley Stadium in London. Since that time, the NFL International Series has rapidly expanded, with games now being regularly held in cities such as London, Munich, Frankfurt, and Mexico City. Despite the Cowboys' global fanbase, they had remained in the U.S. for regular-season contests until now.
Brazil, particularly São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, has emerged as a critical growth market for the NFL, boasting one of the most passionate and rapidly expanding fan bases outside North America. The decision to send the Cowboys to Brazil reflects how the league views the market as more than an outreach effort--it is positioning Brazil as a potential hub for future NFL events or even franchise opportunities. Deploying a flagship franchise like the Cowboys, with their storied history and iconic star logo, will maximize local and international attention, media coverage, and fan engagement.
Business and Brand Expansion Opportunities
From a business perspective, this move is strategic for the Cowboys and the NFL alike. The franchise is consistently ranked as the world's most valuable sports team, generating enormous revenue through merchandise sales, media rights, and licensing agreements. Hosting a regular-season game in Brazil opens new commercial doors in a country of over 200 million people. Expect a surge in Cowboys-branded apparel sales, new sponsorships with Brazilian and global companies, and increased visibility for team affiliates.
For international fans, particularly those in Brazil, the game offers an unprecedented chance to see stars like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and others in person. This will invigorate the Cowboys' international supporter base and amplify the NFL's cultural presence in South America. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and mascot Rowdy will also play an essential role in delivering a full-game entertainment experience that transcends the sport itself.
Logistical and Football Considerations
The logistics of playing in Brazil are substantial. The Cowboys must transport over 150 players, coaches, and staff, along with their extensive equipment, across hemispheres. The team's football operations, under Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer, General Manager Jerry Jones, and Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker, will need to carefully manage travel schedules, potential jet lag, and acclimatization to optimize player readiness.
It is as yet unclear which team will be the Cowboys' opponent, but the NFL noted possible road opponents for Dallas in 2026 include the Washington Commanders, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, and Green Bay Packers. Home opponents include Commanders, Giants, Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans. Regardless, the contest is expected to serve as a neutral-site game, although local enthusiasm may create a crowd atmosphere similar to a home game for the Cowboys.
The NFL often schedules international games early or midseason to reduce disruption. Details regarding potential bye weeks or schedule adjustments for the Cowboys post-game will be clarified when the full 2026 NFL schedule is released.
Historical Context and the NFL's Global Vision
While the Cowboys have participated in international preseason games and the American Bowl series in cities like Mexico City, Monterrey, Toronto, and Tokyo, regular-season games carry much greater competitive weight. This Brazil game signifies the NFL's accelerating vision for a truly global league, with ongoing talks about establishing permanent franchises abroad in the coming years.
For the Cowboys, this is not just a game--it is an opportunity to help grow football internationally, reward their global fanbase, and further cement their position as the NFL's flagship franchise. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has long embraced ambitious endeavors to broaden the brand's influence and maximize its profile worldwide, and this strategic move to Brazil fits perfectly within that vision.
Looking Ahead
As anticipation builds for further details, the football world eagerly awaits to see which team will be selected as the Cowboys' opponent in this historic international fixture. A divisional clash with an NFC East rival could maximize drama, while an inter-conference opponent might broaden the league-wide appeal.
One thing is certain: when the Dallas Cowboys take the field in Rio de Janeiro in 2026, it will be a landmark NFL event--a celebration of the sport's expanding global reach, a showcase of the Cowboys' enduring brand power, and a regular-season game unlike any other. For a franchise built on bold moves and big moments, this international contest represents the next exciting chapter.
The world is watching, and soon, a piece of it will be proudly hosting America's Team.