The NFL is bringing one of its biggest international matchups of the 2026 season to Rio de Janeiro, with the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens facing off at Maracanã Stadium in Week 3.
Approximately 60,000 fans are expected to attend Cowboys vs. Ravens in Rio, although an official attendance figure will not be available until the game is underway or completed.
The historic matchup takes place Sunday, September 27, 2026, and represents another major step in the NFL’s continued expansion in Brazil.
How Many Fans Are Expected for Cowboys vs. Ravens in Rio?
The anticipated crowd for the 2026 NFL Rio Game is around 60,000 spectators.
The exact attendance could differ once tickets are scanned and the NFL releases its official figure. With the game taking place at one of the most famous stadiums in world sports, the crowd will provide a unique atmosphere for an NFL regular-season game.
Maracanã is traditionally configured for crowds approaching 80,000 for major soccer events, although NFL configurations and operational requirements can reduce the number of seats available.
Cowboys vs. Ravens 2026 NFL Rio Game Details
Here is the key information for Sunday’s international matchup:
- Matchup: Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Week: NFL Week 3
- Location: Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Expected attendance: Approximately 60,000
- Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET / 5:25 p.m. local time in Rio
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+ and NFL+ where available
The NFL confirms that gates at Maracanã open at 1:25 p.m. local time, four hours before kickoff.
First NFL Regular-Season Game in Rio de Janeiro
Cowboys vs. Ravens is particularly significant because it is the first NFL regular-season game ever played in Rio de Janeiro.
The NFL previously staged its first two regular-season games in Brazil in São Paulo in 2024 and 2025. For 2026, the league has moved the Brazil game to Rio and one of the world’s most recognizable sporting venues.
The league has also announced a multiyear commitment to Rio de Janeiro that calls for a minimum of three regular-season games over five years beginning in 2026.
Brazil has become an increasingly important international market for the NFL, with the league estimating that the country has more than 36 million NFL fans.
Maracanã Adds Historic Setting for Cowboys vs. Ravens
Few stadiums hosting NFL games have the history associated with Maracanã.
The stadium has hosted some of soccer’s biggest matches, including FIFA World Cup games, and played a major role during the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Now it adds an NFL regular-season game to that history.
The matchup also features two recognizable NFL franchises in the Cowboys and Ravens, potentially helping the league attract both longtime Brazilian football fans and international visitors traveling to Rio for the game.
NFL Bringing Full Gameday Experience to Rio
The NFL has turned the matchup into more than simply a football game.
Fan events and NFL activations have been held throughout Rio during the week leading into Cowboys-Ravens. On game day, ticket holders can access interactive experiences, NFL merchandise, food and beverage areas and photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy and all 60 Super Bowl rings.
The league has also scheduled Pedro Sampaio and Ricky Martin to perform during the halftime show.
What Is the Official Cowboys vs. Ravens Attendance?
An official attendance number has not yet been announced because the Cowboys-Ravens game has not started.
For now, approximately 60,000 fans are expected at Maracanã for the NFL’s historic Rio debut.
Once the official attendance is announced, that figure will provide another indication of the NFL’s growing popularity in Brazil and could become an important benchmark as the league prepares for additional games in Rio de Janeiro.