NFL Proceeding With Brazil Game Amid Field Condition Concerns

The National Football League will proceed with its first-ever game in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens, a league spokesperson confirmed, despite public concerns about the condition of the Maracanã Stadium field.

Concerns have surfaced following recent heavy rains in the area and criticism from Brazilian soccer club Flamengo, which uses the stadium. Multiple Flamengo players have publicly voiced dissatisfaction with the field, with goalkeeper Agustin Rossi reportedly describing it as "bad as [expletive]." Flamengo played a match at the stadium on Monday.

Despite these issues, NFL field director Nick Pappas stated on Monday that the league had "no concerns" about the field's condition. "It's a field that's been actively used and that's visible," Pappas told The Athletic. "But that's no different than going to a grass field in the NFL in Week 3 that has some visible areas of use. We always want to present a product that looks like the Super Bowl and want to present a product that plays like the Super Bowl. That's the goal and that's what we'll look to do this week."

Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones echoed the league's confidence. "I don't have concerns only because the league has said full speed ahead," Jones told The Athletic. "I think if there was a real concern, there would have already been contingent plans being made. So, I think we're full speed ahead and we're ready to go to Rio."

Jerry Jones, owner of the Cowboys, also expressed optimism, stating that the field conditions were not a current concern and that it was realistic to expect a good game. "We wouldn't be going down there and all set up if we didn't think we were ready to play the game in whatever conditions exist down there right now," he said.

Ravens head coach Jesse Minter indicated that the league has people on-site assessing the situation. "I mean, look, it is really in the league's hands, and we have been in contact with them," Minter told reporters. "They have people there [who] feel pretty good about it. Both teams are going to be playing there, and we will be ready to roll."

This marks the third NFL game to be played in Brazil, following contests in São Paulo in 2024 and 2025. The 2024 game in São Paulo faced criticism for a slippery field, though complaints about the Arena Corinthians field subsided by last season. The NFL has previously relocated a game from Mexico City in 2018 due to unsafe field conditions, but has since returned to the Estadio Azteca after renovations.

The Cowboys, currently 1-1, are coming off a win against the Washington Commanders, with quarterback Dak Prescott tied for the league lead in touchdown passes. The 1-1 Ravens are looking to rebound from a loss to the New Orleans Saints, with Lamar Jackson leading the NFL in yards per attempt and completion. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 4:25 p.m. EST.