The Dallas Cowboys were preparing themselves for the 2026 season while updates of an international regular-season game broke out. Following a season that ended with disappointment for Dak Prescott and company, the growing fanbase of the sport in Brazil decided to cherish it alongside the globally renowned franchise. Amid the team’s preparations for the 2026 draft, the NFL announced that Dallas will play in Rio de Janeiro this season, with the exact date and opponent to be revealed later. In light of the announcement, the team’s owner, Jerry Jones, stepped forward to express excitement about the bagpacking opportunity.

“I have a lot of business in Brazil that I’ve had for 35 years,” Jones said. “It’ll be great to have those Cowboys involved. We’re excited. We have a lot of fans on that continent, and it makes it good. I’m excited about going.”

The event will mark the first time for the Cowboys to play a regular-season game overseas in 12 seasons. This also counts as the third straight year the NFL has held a regular-season game in Brazil. However, it will be the first time a game is played in Rio, after the last two were played in São Paulo.