The upcoming game in Rio de Janeiro will mark the first of at least three NFL games scheduled to be played in the city over the next five years, making it a historic occasion. While the league has yet to officially release the full 2026 schedule, two sources have indicated that the Dallas Cowboys will serve as the home team for the matchup. And their opponent has now reportedly been revealed.

“The NFL is expected to select the #Ravens as the opponent to face the #Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with Week 3 as the likely spot, per @giana_jade.” Ari Meirov posted the update on X.

The Dallas Cowboys will face the Baltimore Ravens from the AFC North in Week 3 of the upcoming season at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, according to Giana Han of The Baltimore Banner.

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The NFL first announced back in February that Dallas would travel to South America for its first international game in more than a decade. At that time, the league did not reveal the opponent or the date.

If confirmed, this would mark the third NFL game played in Brazil. The league has already made stops in São Paulo, hosting a 2024 matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers, followed by a 2025 game featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers.

Recently, NFL Brazil General Manager Luis Martinez also shared some kind words and extended a warm welcome to Dak Prescott and Co.

“We are proud to welcome the Dallas Cowboys to Brazil for the first‑ever NFL game in Rio de Janeiro,” said NFL Brazil general manager Luis Martinez. “Introducing one of the league’s most iconic teams to the Maracanã Stadium marks a powerful milestone in the continued growth of the sport worldwide. Bringing a regular-season game to Rio strengthens our connection to a vibrant and passionate football community and underscores our long‑term commitment to the market.”

Dallas has only played one regular-season game outside, defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-17 at Wembley Stadium, London, England, in 2014. It has now been more than 11 years, which is the longest gap without an international game for any NFL team. This time, the Cowboys will be the designated home team.

While this will be their first international appearance in more than a decade, their opponent, the Baltimore Ravens, has more experience playing abroad.

Lamar Jackson set to face the Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro

The Baltimore Ravens have played internationally more recently, although both of their previous games were in London. In 2017, they were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars 44–7, but they claimed a win over the Tennessee Titans 24–16 in 2023.

In a video shared by a fan account recently on X, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson spoke about wanting to visit Brazil. He said it is a blessing that people in Brazil know who he is and added that he hopes to travel there at least once.

The Baltimore-Dallas matchup is one of a record nine international games scheduled across seven countries in 2026 by the NFL. This game will feature Lamar Jackson and Dak Prescott, as well as other top players in several key positions.

The venue for the game will be the Maracanã Stadium. The venue has hosted two finals in the FIFA World Cup and several big games in the soccer world. This would be the first NFL game in Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, this would be the first of at least three games planned for the venue over the next five seasons.

Brazil has hosted NFL games in the city of São Paulo before. In 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles played the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, and in September 2025, the Los Angeles Chargers faced the Kansas City Chiefs.

The date and time of the Brazil game have not been announced yet. The full 2026 schedule is planned to be released in May.