The NFL Rio Game 2026 brings an official league game to Rio de Janeiro for the first time: the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys face off at Maracanã Stadium on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with kickoff at 5:25 PM (Brasília time). The matchup is part of Week 3 of the regular season and pits two of the NFL’s most popular teams against each other in one of the world’s most iconic stadiums, which holds 78,000 people. Tickets start at R$ 247.50 (half-price) and are on sale at Ticketmaster. Keep reading to find out how to get there by metro, which sections offer the best views, and what to do in Rio around game day.
About the NFL Rio Game 2026
The September 27 game is the NFL’s first in Rio de Janeiro and is part of a series of at least three international games confirmed for the city in the coming years. Previous NFL editions in Brazil took place in São Paulo, with games in 2024 and 2025 at Arena Corinthians — each drawing around 47,000 fans. Maracanã raises the stakes: 78,000 seats and a stadium that has hosted World Cup finals, the 2016 Olympic Games, and historic Brazilian soccer matches.
Dica: Aproveite também para fazer estes passeios no Rio de Janeiro
Cristo Redentor de trem e tour pelo Rio de janeiro. Duração: 4 horas
Passeio grátis pelo centro histórico do Rio e Lapa. Duração: 3 horas
Free tour pelo bairro de Santa Teresa. Duração: 2h 30m
Amanhecer no mirante de Dona Marta + Cristo Redentor Duração: 4 horas
Veja todos os passeios e tranfers no Rio de Janeiro
The Ravens vs. Cowboys matchup is one of the most attractive the NFL could have chosen for this showcase. On Baltimore’s side, two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson leads the offense. For the Cowboys — designated as the home team — Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb run the show. This is the Cowboys’ first international game since 2014 and the Ravens’ debut outside London in international play.
Brazil is now one of the NFL’s largest markets outside the United States, with over 36 million fans. Rio de Janeiro hosts the game at the best time to visit: September marks the start of Rio’s spring, with pleasant weather, calm beaches, and prices below summer peak.
Event Details
- Event: NFL Rio Game 2026
- Date: September 27, 2026 (Sunday)
- Time: Kickoff at 5:25 PM (Brasília time)
- Location: Maracanã Stadium, Rua Professor Eurico Rabelo, s/n, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
- Teams: Dallas Cowboys (home) vs. Baltimore Ravens
- Competition: 2026 NFL Regular Season — Week 3
- Capacity: 78,000 seats
Tickets — Where to Buy and Prices
Tickets for the NFL Rio Game 2026 are on sale through Ticketmaster. All tickets are digital and will be available on the Quentro app, which you should download before game day. Each CPF (Brazilian taxpayer ID) can purchase up to four tickets during the general sale, which started on June 9, 2026. An exclusive presale for American Express cardholders ran from May 27 to 31.
| Category | Full Price | Half-Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic section | from R$ 495.00 | from R$ 247.50 |
| Mid-range sections | check Ticketmaster | check Ticketmaster |
| Premium / hospitality sections | up to R$ 5,080.00 | — |
Check current availability and sections on the official Ticketmaster website. Tickets will only be available on the Quentro app starting one month before the game — no screenshots or printed tickets will be accepted at the entrance.
Buy tickets on the official Ticketmaster website
How to Get to Maracanã
The metro is the safest and fastest option on game day. Maracanã Stadium is located in the Maracanã neighborhood in the North Zone, served by two stations on Line 2 (green):
- Rei Pelé – Maracanã Station: access to Gates A, B, and C
- São Cristóvão Station: access to Gates D, E, and F
If you’re coming from Copacabana, Ipanema, or Leblon, take Line 1 (orange) and transfer at Botafogo Station to Line 2 (green), getting off at the station corresponding to your gate. The trip takes about 32 minutes with one transfer. From Flamengo, Glória, or Centro, the route is the same: Line 1 to Botafogo, then Line 2 toward Pavuna.
Arrive at the stadium at least 90 minutes early — security lines at international NFL games tend to be long. After the game, the area will be congested: stick with the metro over Uber or taxis, which will have a hard time getting near the stadium after the game.
What to Do Near Maracanã
Maracanã is in the North Zone, a bit off the classic tourist trail — but just a metro ride away from two of Rio’s main attractions. Use the days leading up to the game to explore the city.
Christ the Redeemer, atop Corcovado Mountain, offers one of the most famous views in the world and is a must-see for anyone visiting Rio for the first time. Book in advance, especially in September.
Christ the Redeemer Tour — Civitatis
The Free Tour of Rio’s Historic Center covers the main downtown spots — Lapa, Cinelândia, Praça XV, and surroundings — with a Portuguese-speaking guide, perfect for understanding the city’s history before the big event.
Free Tour of Rio’s Historic Center — Civitatis
Where to Stay for the NFL Rio Game
Maracanã is in the Maracanã neighborhood in the North Zone — a residential area with few restaurant and nightlife options. To balance logistics and tourism, Centro or Lapa are good choices: they’re well connected by metro to both the stadium and the South Zone. If you prefer beaches and dining, you’re better off in Copacabana, Botafogo, or Ipanema — from any of these neighborhoods, the metro reaches Maracanã with one transfer at Botafogo.
Official Profiles
- NFL International: nfl.com/international
- Tickets: ticketmaster.com.br
- Cowboys Instagram: @dallascowboys
- Ravens Instagram: @ravens
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the NFL game in Rio de Janeiro in 2026?
The NFL Rio Game 2026 takes place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with kickoff at 5:25 PM (Brasília time), at Maracanã Stadium.
Which teams are playing in the NFL Rio Game 2026?
The teams are the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens. The Cowboys are the home team. The game is part of Week 3 of the 2026 regular season.
How much do tickets cost for the NFL Rio Game?
Tickets start at R$ 247.50 (half-price) and can go up to R$ 5,080.00 in premium and hospitality sections. Sales are exclusively through the Ticketmaster website.
How do I get to Maracanã by public transportation?
The best option is the metro. On Line 1, transfer at Botafogo to Line 2 (green). Get off at Rei Pelé – Maracanã Station (Gates A, B, C) or São Cristóvão Station (Gates D, E, F). From Copacabana, the trip takes about 32 minutes.
Can I use a printed ticket for the NFL Rio Game?
No. Tickets are exclusively digital and will be available on the Quentro app starting one month before the game. Screenshots and printed tickets are not accepted at the entrance.
Is this the first time the NFL is playing in Rio de Janeiro?
Yes. The September 27, 2026 game is the first official NFL game in Rio de Janeiro. Previous NFL editions in Brazil were held in São Paulo, in 2024 and 2025.
Read Also
- Maracanã Tour: How It Works, Prices, and Behind the Scenes
- How to Get Around Rio de Janeiro: Transportation Guide
- Rock in Rio 2026: Dates, Lineup, Tickets, and How to Get There
