Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on before the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland
The Baltimore Ravensare expected to play an international game in Brazil during the 2026 NFL season. According toThe Baltimore Banner, the Ravens will face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3 at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Two league sources told the outlet the Cowboys will serve as the home team for the matchup.The sources requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the schedule publicly. The NFL has not yet officially announced the full 2026 schedule.
Ravens VsCowboys Brazil Game Adds to NFL International Expansion
The reported matchup marks a rare meeting between the Ravens and Cowboys and will be part of the NFL’s continued push into global markets.
The game in Rio de Janeiro will be the first of at least three NFL games scheduled tobe played in the city over the next five years.Maracanã Stadium, a historic soccer venue, has a standard capacity of about 78,000 and has hostedmajor international events, including the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympics.
If confirmed, this will be the third NFL game played in Brazil. Previous gameswere held in São Paulo, including a 2024 matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers and a 2025game featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers.
The 2026 seasonis expected toinclude a recordnine international games acrossseven countries, continuing the league’s global expansion strategy.
Has Baltimore Played Internationally Before?
The Ravens have previously played two international games in London. They lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017 and defeated the Tennessee Titans in 2023.
In recent years, the team has also expanded its international presence through the NFL’s Global Markets Program. The Ravens were granted marketing rights in the United Kingdom, marking their first official step into international branding efforts.
The team has also developed a growing fan base in Brazil. Social media accounts dedicated to Brazilian Ravens fans have gained traction, with quarterback Lamar Jackson drawing attention for his performances.
After a 2024 win over the Denver Broncos, Jackson commented on his international reach. “It’s a blessing for people in Brazil to know who I am. That’s just dope. That’s crazy,” Jackson said. “I’ve got to go to Brazil one time. I have to travel to Brazil once.”
Ravens/Cowboys Matchup and Schedule Outlook
The Ravens and Cowboys havefaced each other seven timeshistorically, withBaltimore holding a 6-1 advantage in the series. Their most recent meeting came during the 2024 season, when the Ravens built a 28-6 lead before the Cowboys narrowed the final score to 28-25.
The Cowboys have not played internationally since a 2014 game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite their popularity, the team is part of the NFL’s rotation for international games.
The Ravens are not expected to host an international game this season, in part due to ongoing renovations at M&T Bank Stadium. The projectis valued at nearly $500 million, and teams undergoing major stadium upgrades typically retain their full slate of home games.
However, Baltimore will still be involved internationally as the visiting team. In addition to the reported Brazil game against the Cowboys, the Atlanta Falcons — another Ravens road opponent — are scheduled to host a game in Madrid.
The NFL typically releases its full schedule in May, which will confirm all international matchups for the 2026 season.