Field conditions at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro are drawing attention ahead of the Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens NFL game on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
While the NFL remains confident that the international matchup will be played as scheduled, concerns surrounding the stadium’s natural-grass surface have prompted additional maintenance and monitoring ahead of kickoff.
What Are the Field Conditions at Maracanã Stadium?
The Maracanã field is considered playable, but the surface has required additional work leading into the Cowboys-Ravens matchup.
One of the primary concerns has been traction and stability. Portions of the natural-grass field have reportedly been loose and patchy, creating concerns that NFL players could experience excessive slipping while accelerating, cutting or changing direction.
The NFL and NFL Players Association have been monitoring the situation as crews work to improve the playing surface.
NFL Crews Working to Improve Maracanã Field
Crews have been working on the grass ahead of Sunday’s game, including using reinforcement techniques designed to improve the stability of the playing surface.
The goal is to make sure the grass remains intact under the demands of an NFL game. Football players place considerably different stresses on a field than soccer players because of repeated blocking, tackling and explosive changes of direction.
The field is expected to continue receiving attention through the weekend before the Cowboys and Ravens take the field.
Rain and Heavy Soccer Schedule Impact Maracanã Grass
Weather and stadium usage have contributed to the concerns.
Rio de Janeiro has experienced significant rainfall in recent weeks, while Maracanã Stadium regularly hosts major soccer matches. That combination can make maintaining a consistently firm natural-grass surface more difficult.
The NFL has taken additional precautions, including using protective measures to limit further weather-related damage ahead of the game.
Is the Cowboys vs. Ravens Game in Danger of Being Moved?
At this point, there is no indication that Cowboys vs. Ravens will be relocated or postponed because of the field conditions.
The NFL has expressed confidence that the surface can be prepared for Sunday’s game.
Officials and field experts are expected to continue inspecting the grass leading up to kickoff, meaning conditions could improve further before players begin warming up.
Could the Field Conditions Affect Cowboys vs. Ravens?
Even if the field is cleared for play, traction could become an important storyline during the game.
A softer or less stable surface could potentially affect players attempting sharp cuts, particularly running backs, wide receivers, defensive backs and pass rushers.
Players may also adjust their cleat selection during pregame warmups depending on how much grip the surface provides.
However, the condition of the field on game day will ultimately depend on the effectiveness of the repairs and the weather in Rio leading into kickoff.
Cowboys vs. Ravens Game Information
Matchup: Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Location: Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET
Season: 2026 NFL regular season
Final Outlook for Maracanã Stadium Field
The Maracanã Stadium field is currently expected to be ready for the Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens game, but the playing surface remains something to watch.
Concerns have centered primarily on grass stability and traction, with crews performing additional work to strengthen the surface ahead of kickoff.
Unless conditions deteriorate, the NFL expects the highly anticipated Cowboys-Ravens matchup in Rio de Janeiro to proceed as scheduled.
For fans watching Sunday’s international NFL game, the condition of the Maracanã grass — particularly how players handle their footing during the opening possessions — will be one of the biggest early storylines.