Rio to host NFL game: American football coming to Maracanã in 2026 🏈 | OneFootball

Flamengo and Fluminense Stadium to Host American Football Game Next Season

After the success of the National Football League (NFL) at the Neo Química Arena in September 2024 and 2025, speculation began about a possible American football game at Maracanã. Thus, the NFL has confirmed that the ‘Sacred Temple’ will host a league game in 2026.

Furthermore, the agreement between the Rio de Janeiro City Hall and the NFL provides for three regular season games to be held at Maracanã over the next five years. In this way, the American football league continues its goal of expanding the sport around the world.

What did Eduardo Paes say?

– The multi-year partnership between the NFL and Rio is the perfect marriage. It will be a historic event with NFL games on the city’s official calendar. I am excited to see an American football game at Maracanã, the most iconic football temple in the world–, said the mayor of Rio de Janeiro.

Has the NFL already held games in Brazil?

Although this will be the first time Maracanã will host an American football game, it will not be the NFL’s debut in Brazil. In fact, in September 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles (USA) defeated the Green Bay Packers (USA) 34 to 29 in a game held at Neo Química Arena.

Additionally, on September 5, Neo Química Arena once again hosted an American football game. This time, the Los Angeles Chargers (USA) defeated the Kansas City Chiefs (USA) 27 to 21. The match even drew an audience of 47,627 at the Corinthians Stadium.

Does Flamengo have a connection with the NFL?

With the news of an NFL game at Maracanã, one Flamengo player is sure to celebrate and be present at the ‘Sacred Temple’: Léo Ortiz. The red-black defender is an outspoken fan of American football, as well as a supporter of the New England Patriots (USA).

It’s worth remembering that during the end-of-year holidays, after the 2024 season, Léo Ortiz traveled to the United States. Thus, the defender attended a New England Patriots game at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.

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