The NFL is set to make its highly anticipated return to Brazil next season, with the Los Angeles Chargers confirmed as the home team for a thrilling game at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo. The game, scheduled for Friday, September 5, will take place during Week 1, just one day after the season opener.
While the Chargers' opponent is yet to be announced, the NFL has revealed that there are nine potential teams for the matchup. These include the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, and Minnesota Vikings. The official 2025 schedule, which will include the Chargers' opponent, is expected to be released in the spring.
A new chapter for the NFL in Brazil
Luis Martinez, the NFL’s Brazil general manager, expressed excitement about the league’s return to Sao Paulo after a successful debut in 2024.
After a successful and memorable first game in Brazil in 2024, we are delighted to confirm the league's return to Sao Paulo with the Los Angeles Chargers as the designated team in what will be an incredible next chapter in the market, Martinez said.
This game marks a significant milestone for the Chargers, who will be playing their fourth international regular-season game. Their previous international matchup was in 2019 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Brazil's growing role in the NFL’s global expansion
The NFL's visit to Brazil will be the second such event, following the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles' thrilling matchup last September, also held at Arena Corinthians. The Eagles triumphed in that game with a 34-29 victory, while Saquon Barkley made an unforgettable debut by scoring three touchdowns. However, field conditions were a hot topic of conversation, sparking debate both during and after the game.
Though the Chargers are scheduled to host the Indianapolis Colts next season, the Colts will not participate in the Brazil game, as they will be the designated home team for the NFL's inaugural regular-season game in Berlin, Germany. Similarly, the Pittsburgh Steelers, slated to play in Dublin, Ireland, will not be part of the Brazilian showdown.
In addition to Brazil, the NFL will be hosting international games in London next season. The Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, and Cleveland Browns will all be part of the exciting slate of overseas matchups. Looking ahead, the NFL has also announced plans to bring a regular-season game to Melbourne, Australia, in 2026, where the Los Angeles Rams will serve as the home team.