How NFL, Flamengo and Fluminense united for Maracanã NFL game

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Coluna do Fla

·31 August 2026

How NFL, Flamengo and Fluminense united for Maracanã NFL game

Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens will face off on the 27th, in an event that comes after a change in the management of the stadium pitch

Maracanã will host the first National Football League (NFL) game held in Rio de Janeiro. As a result, the Rio stadium joins the international calendar of the American league. Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens will meet on September 27.

NFL assures good relationship with Flamengo and Fluminense

The relationship with Flamengo and Fluminense is very good, and we are always in constant communication as well. We have to remember that the stadium is also part of the state. So, it’s about combining, mixing many things. In our case, we’re talking about one week,” said Luis Martínez, NFL general manager in Brazil.

The statement reinforced the collaborative tone between the league and Maracanã’s administrators. Thus, the event depends on coordination between the NFL, the clubs, and the state government. Therefore, the logistics of game week require joint planning among the parties involved.

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Change in pitch management comes before the arrival of American football

The American football game comes after a change in the management of the Fla-Flu consortium. However, the change happened because of the poor quality of the Maracanã pitch. The issue had already been pointed out by players from both clubs.

Léo Pereira, Flamengo’s center-back, even stated that the situation was hurting the team’s performance. Thus, the complaint increased the pressure for changes in the stadium’s management. Therefore, the new administration takes on the challenge of restoring the pitch conditions.

One of the things that hurts us the most is the field. You just have to go in there and see that the field is in very bad condition for both teams. When it comes to Flamengo, a team that tries to play, that wants to play, when it gets in front of goal, of course, despite all the quality, there will be missed shots, weak shots,” said the defender, who added: “Their goalkeeper also deserves credit for saving the shots. But I think we’re on the right path. Despite this difficulty in scoring with those finishes, we’re creating, we’re insisting, and we’re winning,” he said after the win over Cruzeiro.

Even so, the NFL event adds to the commitments the stadium already hosts throughout the year. In this way, the administration needs to balance football matches with international events from other sports. The success of the partnership could open the door to new editions of the American football game in Rio.

The expectation is that the matchup between the Cowboys and Ravens will boost tourism and international media attention in the city. However, the challenge remains maintaining the quality of the pitch for Brasileirão matches. Flamengo fans hope the field’s recovery will also benefit the team’s matches.

What to expect from game week in Rio?

NFL events outside the United States usually generate major tourist activity in host cities. Therefore, Rio de Janeiro should have a special setup to welcome fans from both franchises. Hotels, shops, and services in the area are likely to feel the positive impact of the event.

The league also uses these international games to expand the sport’s fan base. Thus, the NFL projects growth in the Brazilian audience in the coming years. Even so, the Brasileirão remains the priority in Maracanã’s schedule throughout the season.

What is the author’s opinion on the NFL at Maracanã?

From what we saw at Neo Química Arena, the Corinthians stadium pitch was heavily impacted by the American football games. So, I have my doubts whether Maracanã is the best place for Dallas and Baltimore,” said João Vítor Reis from Coluna do Fla.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.