THE Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers will each make history with their overseas NFL showdowns in 2026.
The Cowboys will be part of the league’s first-ever regular-season trip to Rio de Janeiro, it was announced on Thursday.
Sign up for the Sport newsletter
Thank you!
The Dallas Cowboys will play in Rio later this yearCredit: Getty
Their first international game since 2016 will take place in the MaracanaCredit: Getty
The NFL‘s two previous jaunts to Brazil featured games in Sao Paulo – but this one will take place in the iconic Maracana.
Two World Cup finals and an Olympics opening ceremony have been held in the 70,000-seater Rio venue, where Dallas will be the ‘home’ team.
Their opponents and the date of the game are slated to be released in the spring, with the Cowboys set to play their first overseas fixture since 2016.
The 49ers discovered their international fate earlier on Thursday.
SO CLOSE
Stafford EDGES Drake Maye for NFL MVP award as Rams star reveals dramatic comeback
SWIM STARS
Brittany Mahomes leads NFL Wags in stunning Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoot
Last February, the Los Angeles Rams were announced as the ‘home’ team in the first NFL regular-season game to be held in Melbourne, Australia.
And Robert Irwin – son of the late, great TV personality, Steve – revealed San Francisco as their opponents on The Pat McAfee show.
The date and time are yet to be nailed down but the clash will take place at the massive Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which can hold over 100,000 spectators.
NFL Australia and New Zealand general manager Charlotte Offord said: “We are delighted that the San Francisco 49ers will take on the Los Angeles Rams.
Most read in American Football
The San Francisco 49ers will take on the Rams at the MCGCredit: Getty
The MCG can house more than 100,000 spectatorsCredit: AP
“The 49ers are a popular franchise within the Australian market, and this rivalry game solidifies what we know is going to be an incredible experience for our fans down under.”
The Rams have been forging ties in Australia since capturing international marketing rights there in 2021.
Franchise president Kevin Demoff said: “We have seen tremendous excitement for our team from fans both in Australia and across the world.
“We look forward to spending this off-season continuing to deepen our connection with the Melbourne community leading up to the game this fall.”
A record nine international NFL games are lined up for 2026 with Paris, Munich, Madrid, London and Mexico City also scheduled to host.