The Dallas Cowboys will make history in 2026, participating in the NFL's inaugural regular-season game in Rio de Janeiro. This marks the third consecutive year the league will host a regular-season game in Brazil. The Cowboys, who will be the home team, haven't played internationally since 2014, when they played in London.

The game will be held at the iconic Maracana Stadium, a venue with a capacity exceeding 70,000. It hosted both the 1950 and 2014 World Cup finals, and the 2016 Olympics' opening ceremony. While owner Jerry Jones preferred a game in Mexico City, the NFL chose Rio. The Cowboys have a history of international preseason games.

This move highlights the NFL's continued global expansion strategy. The Cowboys were also considered to play in Melbourne, but instead the San Francisco 49ers will play in Australia. The Cowboys' opponent and the game date will be announced in the spring.

In 2026, the NFL will host a record nine international games, with other cities including Paris, Munich, Madrid, and London. This expansion demonstrates the league's commitment to growing its global fanbase and brand. The Cowboys, a major draw, will certainly help the league in its international endeavors.