The Dallas Cowboys will have a new opportunity to expand their large fan base in 2026.
The Cowboys will play in Brazil in 2026, making the trip to Rio De Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium. Like the Cowboys, the venue has a long and storied history. The stadium has hosted several large events, including FIFA World Cup matches and the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Here’s what you should know about the historic Maracanã Stadium:
What is the stadium’s official name?
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The stadium is officially named Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho. It’s named after Mário Filho, a former sports journalist who covered Brazil’s soccer scene for four decades.
The venue is known as Maracanã Stadium since it’s located in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã neighborhood.
Which teams normally play at Maracanã Stadium?
The stadium usually hosts matches for Brazilian Serie A soccer teams Flamengo and Fluminense. On certain occasions, Rio teams like Vasco da Gama and Botafogo will play matches at the venue.
Brazil’s national soccer team is also a frequent tenant.
What events has the stadium hosted?
Maracanã Stadium has seen its fair share of major events. It has hosted two FIFA World Cups (1950 and 2014) and played a key role in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Both the 1950 and 2014 World Cup finals took place at the venue. While it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympics, it also hosted several Olympic soccer matches. Brazil won the gold medal in men’s soccer at the stadium, defeating Germany 5-4 in penalties on Aug. 20, 2016.
The stadium also hosted the 2021 Copa America final between Brazil and Argentina.
Has the stadium hosted NFL games in the past?
The Cowboys game will be the first NFL game to take place in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil has hosted NFL games in recent years, but those matchups were played at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo.
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