The NFL’s global push might be lining up another marquee moment. The Baltimore Ravens are expected to face the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro this season, according to a report from The Baltimore Banner. While the full schedule is still weeks away, early indications point to a Week 3 international clash.
Ravens and Cowboys Tabbed for Historic Week 3 Matchup in Rio de Janeiro
League sources told the Banner that Dallas will serve as the home team for the first NFL game in Rio de Janeiro. The matchup is expected to take place at Maracanã Stadium, marking a significant expansion of the league’s international footprint.
The report states: “In Week 3, the Ravens will take on the Dallas Cowboys, who are the home team for the first NFL game to be played in Rio de Janeiro, two league sources told the Banner. They requested anonymity because they were not cleared to discuss the schedule publicly.”
The same report adds, “The game in Maracanã Stadium will be the first of at least three in Rio over the next five years.”
This would continue the NFL’s growing presence in Brazil. The league has already staged games in São Paulo over the last two seasons, with the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the Green Bay Packers in 2024, followed by a 2025 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers.
The NFL is expected to select the #Ravens as the opponent to face the #Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with Week 3 as the likely spot, per @giana_jade. https://t.co/jJhVvqy0gO pic.twitter.com/APYYDp9zE6
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 1, 2026
From a football standpoint, the matchup checks every box. Lamar Jackson finished 12th on PFSN’s NFL QB impact Metrics vs. Dak Prescott, seventh, bringing an immediate power battle under center.
Plus, both rosters feature high-end talent across key positions. So, it makes sense to reserve this matchup for a global showdown.
The international slot also fits Baltimore’s schedule dynamics. A second-place finish has set up a demanding 2026 slate, with matchups across the NFC South and AFC South, along with second-place opponents from other divisions. This game would be part of a broader “gauntlet” stretch for the Ravens.
There are also logistical factors at play. Baltimore is unlikely to host an international game due to ongoing renovations at M&T Bank Stadium, making an away designation more plausible. Dallas, along with the Atlanta Falcons, is among the Ravens’ road opponents slated to host games overseas.
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The league’s vision for Brazil is clear. “We are proud to welcome the Dallas Cowboys to Brazil for the first-ever NFL game in Rio de Janeiro,” said NFL Brazil general manager Luis Martinez.
“Introducing one of the league’s most iconic teams to the Maracanã Stadium marks a powerful milestone…” If finalized, Ravens-Cowboys would be part of a record nine international games across seven countries in 2026 and one of the most anticipated.
