(Reuters) -The NFL will stage at least three regular-season games in Rio de Janeiro over the next five years starting in 2026, the league said on Friday, expanding the league’s global reach with its first game at the renowned Maracana Stadium.

Brazil has become one of the league’s biggest overseas markets, with more than 36 million fans.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said the move builds on the success of games held in Sao Paulo, where the Green Bay Packers faced the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 and the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Los Angeles Chargers earlier this month.

“Building on the success of the games in Sao Paulo, we could not be more excited to play in one of the world’s most iconic cities — Rio de Janeiro,” said Goodell.

“We look forward to working closely with our city and st

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