The first NFL game in Brazil took place in 2024, when the Green Bay Packers faced the Philadelphia Eagles at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo. One year later, the league returned to the same venue for the Chiefs vs Chargers matchup.

Now, the NFL is expanding its footprint to Rio de Janeiro. The Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys game at Maracana Stadium on September 27, 2026, will mark the league’s third regular-season game in Brazil and its first in Rio.

Which NFL teams have played in Brazil?

Six NFL teams have played in Brazil through the 2025 season: the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys.

The first four have already played in Sao Paulo, while the Ravens and Cowboys are scheduled to make their Brazil debuts when they meet at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on September 27, 2026.

The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles made history in September 2024, facing each other at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo in the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in South America. The Eagles won 34-29 in a matchup that marked the beginning of the league’s current push into the Brazilian market.

A year later, the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers returned to Corinthians Arena for the second NFL game in Brazil. The Chargers defeated the Chiefs 27-21 on September 5, 2025, in the league’s Week 1 kickoff. The game attracted 47,627 fans, according to the NFL.

The list will expand in 2026 with the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys. Their Week 3 matchup at Maracana will be the first NFL regular-season game in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the third game hosted in Brazil overall.

The NFL has also committed to bringing at least three regular-season games to Rio over a five-year period beginning in 2026, highlighting the league’s long-term plans for the Brazilian market.

Key takeaways

• NFL‘s third game in Brazil heads to Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium.
• The Eagles won the first South American matchup 34-29 against Green Bay.
• League officials committed to hosting three regular-season games in Rio.

Neymar will not suit up for Brazil against Australia today after being left off Ancelotti’s squad, a move aligned with his decision to step away from international soccer following the 2026 World Cup.

With a wave of young talent called into the national team setup, Brazil is turning the page toward the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup. Missing several established stars, the Selecao are aiming to establish a distinct tactical identity after falling short on the world stage.

Anticipation is high for how this matchup will unfold, as Australia presents the first test of Brazil’s Asian tour during the current international window. The attack is expected to flow through Raphinha, who currently stands out as the most accomplished club performer in the squad.

Confirmed lineup for Brazil without Neymar

With the Brazilian talisman absent, the spotlight shifts to burgeoning talents like Endrick and Vinicius Junior, two key players whose European experience will be vital in reshaping Ancelotti’s attack.

Here is the confirmed starting XI for Brazil:

• Goalkeeper: Hugo Souza
• Defenders: Matheuzinho, Marquinhos, Vitor Reis y Douglas Santos
• Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes y Danilo Santos
• Forwards: Estevao, Raphinha, Endrick y Vini Junior.

Brazil aims to present a rejuvenated brand of football, driven to end a 24-year World Cup title drought and instill an aggressive, proactive mentality that keeps top opponents on their heels.

Key takeaways

• Neymar was not called up following his retirement from international duty.
• La Canarinha aims to end a bad streak of 24 years without a title.
• Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the starting XI against Australia.

“My time with Brazil is over,” he revealed to the press on Tuesday after being asked about his future with Carlo Ancelotti’s team. “I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life, and I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I no longer want to do it.”

Although he had recently received key advice from legends such as Ronaldo, who suggested taking some time to carefully evaluate his next steps, that option was evidently ruled out by the Santos player.

After 16 years with the national team, Neymar‘s time representing his country is over. From now on, the question will be who steps up to take the reins and become the new idol of this team.

Neymar’s glorious career with Brazil

Neymar is the all-time top goalscorer in the history of the Brazil national team, having scored 80 goals in 130 senior appearances since making his debut in 2010. Beyond his goalscoring record, where he famously surpassed Pele’s tally of 77 goals, he is also the country’s all-time leading playmaker with 59 assists.

Throughout his international career, Neymar featured in four FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026), scoring 9 tournament goals, and led the Selecao to titles at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games (Gold Medal).

The last dance for Ney

Although the final result was not what they had hoped for, Neymar was able to say goodbye in style alongside the rest of his teammates. Ancelotti decided to include him in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, and despite having limited minutes on the pitch, he still managed to score a goal.

In what would ultimately be a 2-1 defeat against Norway and Brazil’s subsequent elimination, Ney converted a penalty in stoppage time to score his team’s consolation goal. In that way, during what were his final minutes on the pitch representing his national team, the forward made sure his last touch came with the ball in the back of the net.

Richarlison can be seen celebrating Torres’ goal as if he were a die-hard Spain fan. After the goal, he slid across his hardwood floor at home as if he were on a pitch with his team.

It is worth noting that Richarlison didn’t play for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup. His absence was due to inconsistent playing time in the Premier League and a tactical decision by Carlo Ancelotti.

A provocative move against Argentina?

While Richarlison’s celebration racked up around 127,000 likes, 2,200 comments, and 3 million views, it could definitely be viewed as a provocation toward Argentina and its players, several of whom play in the Premier League.

Among the Argentine players who might be annoyed by the celebration are Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, and Aston Villa’s Dibu Martinez.

But the one most likely to call him out if he takes offense is Cristian “Cuti” Romero, Richarlison’s Tottenham teammate. For now, we’ll just have to wait and see how the Argentine players react.

The last time Richarlison played in a World Cup was Qatar 2022. He scored a massive goal there, but his celebration was much tamer, he didn’t slide across the floor like he just did at home during the 2026 final.

Throughout World Cup history, most finals have been decided by narrow margins, with several ending by a single goal or requiring extra time and penalty shootouts. However, three championship matches stand out for the dominance shown by the eventual winners.

Brazil produced the largest victories in World Cup final history in 1958, 1970, and 1998, defeating Sweden, Italy, and Brazil’s own future champion generation by three-goal differences.

Which FIFA World Cup final had the biggest margin of victory?

No team has ever won a World Cup final by more than three goals. The record is shared by three matches:

Brazil 5-2 Sweden (1958): The highest-scoring World Cup final

The 1958 FIFA World Cup final remains the final with the most total goals, as Brazil defeated host nation Sweden 5-2 in Stockholm. A 17-year-old Pele announced himself on the world stage by scoring twice. Vavá also scored twice, while Mario Zagallo added another goal. The seven-goal thriller remains the largest number of goals scored in any World Cup final and marked Brazil’s first world title.

Brazil 4-1 Italy (1970): A legendary final in Mexico

Brazil returned to the final in 1970 with one of the most celebrated teams in soccer history. Led by Pele, Carlos Alberto, Jairzinho, and Gérson, the Seleção defeated Italy 4-1 at the Azteca Stadium.

Pelé opened the scoring before Italy equalized through Roberto Boninsegna. However, Brazil pulled away in the second half with goals from Gérson, Jairzinho, and Carlos Alberto. The victory secured Brazil’s third World Cup title and allowed the nation to keep the Jules Rimet Trophy permanently.

France 3-0 Brazil (1998): A historic home triumph

The third-largest winning margin in a World Cup final came in 1998, when France defeated defending champions Brazil 3-0 in Paris. Zinedine Zidane scored twice in the first half before Emmanuel Petit added a third goal in stoppage time. Despite Brazil entering the final as favorites, France controlled the match and produced one of the most memorable performances in tournament history.

The record for the youngest player ever to win a FIFA World Cup belongs to the legendary Pele (Edson Arantes do Nascimento). The Brazilian legend had a terrific World Cup in 1958, ending it in the best way possible.

He set this monumental record during the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, cementing his status as a global phenomenon before he was even legally an adult.

The historic 1958 campaign

Pele was just 17 years and 249 days old when he lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy on June 29, 1958, after Brazil defeated the host nation, Sweden, 5–2 in the final.

Despite his youth, Pele was the defining tactical spark for La Seleção during the knockout stages of the tournament:

• Quarterfinals: Scored the only goal in a tight 1–0 win over Wales, making him the youngest goalscorer in World Cup history (17 years, 239 days).
• Semifinals: Netted a spectacular second-half hat-trick to dismantle a powerful France side 5–2.
• Final: Scored two brilliant goals against Sweden, including an iconic, physics-defying chip over a defender followed by a clinical volley.

Why the record is safely intact

In modern international soccer, the sheer physical, tactical, and mental demands make it incredibly rare for a 17-year-old to break into a senior national squad, let alone dominate a World Cup final.

To put his precocious talent into perspective, Pele didn’t stop with his 1958 heroics—he remains the only player in soccer history to win three World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970).

While modern superstars have put together incredible teenage runs—most notably Kylian Mbappe, who won the 2018 World Cup at 19 years and 207 days old—Pele’s historic milestone has stood completely unchallenged for nearly seven decades.

How to watch France vs Brazil in the USA

Fans in the United States can catch every minute of the action live, with exclusive streaming coverage available on VBTV.

Be sure to tune in and don’t miss a single point from what promises to be an exciting and entertaining showdown.

Can I watch France vs Brazil for free?

Watch the entire match live in the United States with VBTV, the official streaming platform for the event.

A paid subscription is required, as the service does not offer a free trial, but you can get a annual plan for $6.25/month.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

France and Brazil square off in a pivotal matchup with postseason hopes hanging in the balance. France enters the contest in 12th place at 4-4 and needs to win out to keep its qualification chances alive, making every remaining game a must-win.

Brazil sits ninth with a 5-3 record and is in a stronger position, but the Brazilians also know a late surge is essential to secure a spot in the next round. With both teams chasing valuable points, this showdown could have a major impact on the race for qualification.

What time is the France vs Brazil match?

The match kicks off today, July 15, at 5:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 5:00 PM
Central Time: 4:00 PM
Mountain Time: 3:00 PM
Pacific Time: 2:00 PM

His tears on the pitch after Brazil’s elimination left everyone stunned. Ronaldo is calling for caution as Neymar considers his future decision: “Don’t demand anything from yourself and don’t decide anything now, you don’t need to. Nobody needs to resolve anything right now,” he said on TNT Sports Brazil.

O Fenomeno also added: “He will return to his club, he will play again. We cannot forget that he is coming off two years of serious injury. He arrived as a sacrifice for this World Cup. He will catch the rhythm again. He will play 10, 15 games in a row. He will get back to scoring goals, he will regain his confidence.”

His talent is unquestionable, but Ronaldo also knows that everything will depend on the decision Carlo Ancelotti makes: “In a little while he’ll be excited again and who knows, maybe Ancelotti will see him as an option for the Brazilian national team. He has the technical condition. Now, he needs to be physically well so he can be decisive.”

Neymar’s post-World Cup future

Carlo Ancelotti’s call-up of Neymar Jr. ahead of the World Cup sparked excitement among fans and experts alike. However, his performance during the tournament fell short of expectations, with the forward playing just 37 minutes and scoring one goal against Norway.

The question many are asking now is what will happen next. The forward will have to fulfill his commitments in the Brasileirao with Santos. Once the next South American qualifiers begin, it will become clear what final decision the striker will make.

Neymar’s numbers with Brazil

Since making his international debut in August 2010, Neymar has established himself as a legendary figure for the Brazilian national team, racking up an impressive 80 goals in 130 appearances. He officially surpassed the iconic Ronaldo Nazario (who scored 62 goals for the Selecao) on October 14, 2020, by scoring a brilliant hat-trick in a 4–2 World Cup qualifying victory against Peru.

This historic performance elevated him to second place at the time, and he has since gone on to break even Pele’s official tally of 77 goals, cementing his place as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer.

How to watch USA vs Brazil in the USA

Fans in the United States can catch every minute of the action live, with exclusive streaming coverage available on VBTV.

Be sure to tune in and don’t miss a single point from what promises to be an exciting and entertaining showdown.

Can I watch USA vs Brazil for free?

Watch the entire match live in the United States with VBTV, the official streaming platform for the event.

A paid subscription is required, as the service does not offer a free trial, but you can get a annual plan for $6.25/month.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

A battle for the top spot in the preliminary round is on deck as the United States meets Brazil in one of the tournament’s marquee matchups.

Team USA enters as the current leader after grinding out a thrilling five-set victory over Turkey, while Brazil arrives with plenty at stake after its setback against Thailand.

A win would give the Brazilians a chance to overtake the Americans in the standings, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown between two of the competition’s strongest contenders.

What time is the USA vs Brazil match?

The match kicks off today, July 11, at 11:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 11:00 PM
Central Time: 10:00 PM
Mountain Time: 9:00 PM
Pacific Time: 8:00 PM

“I apologize, and I will fight for our dream of returning to the top of the world,” Vinicius said, noting that remaining silent would have been unfair after the support the team received throughout the tournament.

“I know how much I prepared, how focused I was and how badly I wanted this for all of you and for my family,” he added. He shared the message alongside a picture of himself lying on the pitch, capturing the disappointment of Brazil’s early exit.

A heartfelt message

The message did not end there, as it was longer and much more significant. Vinicius insisted Brazil had enough quality to reach the later stages of the tournament, but acknowledged that the team failed to achieve its goal.

“We had a team strong enough to go further, but we couldn’t do it,” Vinicius stated. He also reflected on what it means to represent his country at a World Cup. “Wearing the national team shirt is the greatest pride of my life, and leaving the World Cup in the Round of 16 is a feeling that is difficult to explain.”

Vinicius did not just stop at words. Despite the failure of the Brazilian national team, Vinicius was one of the most decisive players for the Verdeamarela in the World Cup, registering four goals and one assist. However, that performance did not prevent the team from equaling one of its worst historical performances in the tournament.

It was a performance that seemed destined for more for Brazil, leaving behind sad moments with Neymar Jr.’s final World Cup. But everyone knows how they are, and they will surely come back stronger than ever.

“Soccer, which gave me everything I have, is now responsible for making me feel the worst pain of my 28 years of life. Missing the penalty and being eliminated in the Round of 16 is hard, it’s agonizing, it hurts deeply, but it will just be another obstacle to overcome,” Guimaraes shared in a deeply personal Instagram post.

While fans grapple with the bitter disappointment of a shattered World Cup dream, manager Carlo Ancelotti vigorously defended his decision to send Guimaraes to the spot. The choice raised eyebrows given the other elite options on the pitch, though even talisman Vinicius Jr. was surprisingly absent from the initial, pre-planned list of penalty takers.

Now, with Neymar Jr. officially closing the curtain on his World Cup appearances, the pressure is immense for a complete programmatic overhaul. Ancelotti will finally have a full cycle from the jump to rebuild Brazil‘s identity, with all eyes fixed on transforming them into powerhouse favorites for the 2028 Copa America on American soil.

Family provides perspective amid the heartbreak

Despite the immense grief and public scrutiny clouding his week, Guimaraes found a singular silver lining in his statement, discovering comfort right at home. “The craziest part of all this was coming home after the saddest day of my life, and when I woke up, the first thing my kids said was, ‘Daddy, let’s play soccer?‘ And right there I understood that, regardless of the good days or bad days, football will always be my greatest love,” Guimaraes wrote.

Alongside those moving words, Guimaraes took full accountability for the tournament exit in the game against Norway, vowing to bounce back for future challenges. He remains determined to restore joy to a soccer-mad nation that hasn’t reached a major final or lifted silverware since their 2019 Copa America triumph over Peru.

Brazil’s next challenge locked in

Looking to turn the page immediately, Brazil have already locked in their first international friendly for the fall. The squad will return to the pitch during the FIFA international window beginning September 25, marking their first competitive action of the post-World Cup era.

They will square off against Australia, a dangerous Socceroos side that turned heads with a stunning 2-0 upset over Turkiye in the group stage before eventually bowing out to Egypt in a grueling knockout penalty shootout in the Round of 16.