NFL Expands Global Reach with Game in Brazil
The NFL Brazil Game will feature the Philadelphia Eagles taking on the Green Bay Packers on Friday.
The 2024 NFL season kicks off on Thursday with the Kansas City Chiefs, the defending Super Bowl champions, hosting the Baltimore Ravens. However, the following day will mark a historic moment as the NFL makes its first venture to South America.
In São Paulo, Brazil, the Green Bay Packers will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the first-ever NFL game held in the country. The game will be hosted at Corinthians Arena, also known as Neo Química Arena, a venue that previously hosted events for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.
This game will be the second international appearance for both the Eagles and the Packers, with Philadelphia winning their previous game in London and Green Bay losing in England’s capital.
Both teams had contrasting performances in the previous season, with the Eagles finishing 11–6 and the Packers finishing 9–8. Philadelphia struggled towards the end of the season, while Green Bay finished strong and even secured a playoff win before bowing out to the San Francisco 49ers.
With the game set in Brazil, the NFL continues to expand its international reach. The United Kingdom has hosted the most international games, followed by Canada, Mexico, and Germany. Brazil will become the fifth country outside of the United States to host a regular season NFL game.
Looking ahead, London will host games for three consecutive Sundays in the middle of the season, with Munich hosting its second game later in the year. Madrid, Spain, has also been announced as a host for the 2025 season, further expanding the league’s global footprint.
The NFL has already made its mark in various countries with exhibition and preseason games, with Brazil being the latest addition to the list of host countries. South America will join North America and Europe as continents that have hosted regular season NFL games.
While Asia and Australia are potential future host locations, the league remains focused on expanding its presence in key markets around the world. Peter O’Reilly, the NFL EVP of club business, international, and league events, highlighted the importance of reaching new audiences while exploring operational opportunities in various regions.
