NFL Returns to Brazil for Second Consecutive Season
São Paulo, Brazil – The National Football League (NFL) has announced its highly anticipated return to Brazil, scheduling a regular season game in Week 1 of the 2025 season. The game will be played at the Corinthians Arena in São Paulo on Friday, September 5, 2025.
Los Angeles Chargers Designated as Home Team
The Los Angeles Chargers have been designated as the home team for the game, marking their first-ever regular season contest played outside the United States. The Chargers will host an opponent to be determined, with nine potential contenders in contention.
Potential Opponents for the Chargers
Nine teams are eligible to face the Chargers in São Paulo:
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Denver Broncos
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Minnesota Vikings
The Colts and Steelers are already scheduled for international games in 2025, making their participation in the Brazil game unlikely. This leaves a field of seven potential opponents for the Chargers.
Continued International Expansion
The Brazil game is part of the NFL’s ongoing international expansion efforts. This marks the second consecutive year that a regular season game will be played in Brazil, following the Philadelphia Eagles’ victory over the Green Bay Packers in 2024.
The NFL has also expanded its international footprint with games in London, Berlin, and Mexico City. In 2025, Dublin and Madrid will join the list of host cities, while Australia will be added in 2026.
NFC and AFC Trade International Host Rights
In 2024, the NFC received the designated ninth home game, leading to three of the four international contests being hosted by NFC teams. In 2025, the script has flipped, with all five international games featuring AFC teams as the home side.
Impact of Expanded Schedule
The expansion to a 17-game schedule has created an opportunity for teams to host an extra home game overseas. This has significantly increased the number of international games and is expected to continue to drive the NFL’s global reach.
Chargers Look to Make History in Brazil
The Chargers will be making their debut in Brazil and will be looking to make history by being the first NFL team to win a regular season game in the country. The Chargers boast a talented roster, led by young quarterback Justin Herbert, and will be aiming to put on a show for the Brazilian fans.
Conclusion
The NFL’s return to Brazil in 2025 is a testament to the league’s commitment to international expansion. The Chargers will have the honor of representing the NFL and American football to a passionate and enthusiastic Brazilian audience. With a potential showdown between the Chargers and one of the league’s top teams on the horizon, the 2025 Week 1 game in São Paulo promises to be an unforgettable event.
