In Its Third Edition in Brazil, the NFL Fully Embraces Brazilian Identity - 28/09/2026 - Sports - Folha de S.Paulo

The NFL made its debut in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday afternoon (27), at the Maracanã, with a strong Brazilian appeal. During the national anthem, sung by Péricles, a mosaic bearing the phrase "O Rio também joga" ("Rio plays too") was displayed in the stands, alongside images of quarterbacks Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) and Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys). The festive atmosphere included performances by Ricky Martin and Pedro Sampaio during halftime, popular Brazilian music, fireworks and fans wearing both the American teams’ jerseys and shirts from Vasco, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo. Celebrities such as Luciano Huck also attended.

The Maracanã field received layers of synthetic fiber in a partnership between the stadium and the league, avoiding the controversy that occurred during the 2024 edition in São Paulo. During the U.S. national anthem, a small section of the crowd booed, but was drowned out by applause from the majority.

In the game, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-31 in a dramatic finish decided by Tyler Loop’s field goal in the final moment of the game. The city was in a festive mood throughout the week, with a special projection on Christ the Redeemer, an inflatable NFL helmet-shaped balloon at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, giant team jerseys in Copacabana and planes flying banners over the waterfront.

The NFL’s contract to hold games in Rio runs for five years, with at least three games scheduled during that period.