The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens will square off in Rio de Janeiro on September 27, 2026, marking the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Brazil.
The matchup, set for Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season, will seize place at Maracanã Stadium, the largest stadium in Brazil with a capacity of nearly 79,000 fans. CBS will broadcast the game nationally in the United States, with kickoff scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET (3:25 p.m. CT).
This will be the second time in franchise history that the Cowboys play a regular-season game outside the United States, and the first since 2014. For the Ravens, it represents their first international regular-season appearance.
The NFL announced the game on April 24, 2026, confirming Rio de Janeiro as the host city for what will be one of nine international games scheduled for the 2026 season. Other international venues include London, Madrid, Melbourne, Mexico City, Munich, and Paris.
Maracanã Stadium, located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, has hosted major sporting events including FIFA World Cup finals and Olympic ceremonies. Its selection underscores the NFL’s commitment to expanding its global footprint in passionate football markets.
The Cowboys and Ravens have a recent history, having met in Week 3 of the 2024 season when Baltimore won 28-25 in Dallas. Derrick Henry rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns in that game, while the Cowboys scored 19 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.
Dak Prescott and Lamar Jackson will face off as starting quarterbacks, continuing a rivalry that began in 2020. Prescott finished second in the 2023 NFL MVP voting, while Jackson won the award unanimously that year.
Prescott expressed excitement about the opportunity in February 2026, stating he was “super excited” to play in Brazil and give fans there a chance to see the Cowboys in person. He noted it would be his first international game after 10 seasons in the league.
The Cowboys’ defense struggled in 2025, allowing a league-worst 30.1 points per game. In response, owner and general manager Jerry Jones used the team’s first two selections in the 2026 NFL Draft to prioritize defensive help, trading up to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ offense ranked second in the NFL in passing yards in 2025, led by wide receiver George Pickens, who recorded 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his first season with the team.
Jones emphasized the significance of the game, calling it a “thrilling and honored” opportunity to play in Rio’s legendary Maracanã Stadium. He highlighted the chance to showcase the team to a growing global fan base.
For the Ravens, the game is part of a challenging 2026 schedule that includes matchups against juggernauts from the NFC South, AFC South, and second-place finishers from the AFC West, NFC East, and AFC East divisions.
The Ravens are 6-1 all-time against the Cowboys, with Dallas’ only victory coming in 2016 when they won 27-17 in Baltimore. The teams have met twice since 2020, with Baltimore winning both encounters.
As the NFL continues its international expansion, the Rio de Janeiro game represents a strategic move to tap into Brazil’s vast sports market. The league has played two games in Brazil over the previous two years, but this will be the first regular-season contest in Rio.
Fans can follow updates through the NFL’s official channels and team websites as the September 27 date approaches. The game will be available for streaming on Paramount+ in addition to the CBS broadcast.
The contest will serve as an early-season benchmark for both teams as they navigate what promises to be a demanding 2026 NFL schedule. With kickoff just over five months away, preparations are already underway for what will be a historic moment in NFL globalization.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Cowboys-Ravens matchup and all developments surrounding the NFL’s 2026 international series.
