NFL returns to Brazil in 2025 as Chargers set to play in week one

Los Angeles Chargers to play in Brazil’s opening-week NFL game at Corinthians Arena.

Quarterback Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the second half of an AFC Wild Card game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on January 11, 2025. Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Adila Ghina

The NFL is set to return to Brazil for a regular-season game in the first week of the 2025 campaign, with the Los Angeles Chargers confirmed as one of the competing teams. The league announced on Wednesday that the Chargers will play at São Paulo’s Corinthians Arena on September 5, marking another step in the NFL’s international expansion.

The Chargers’ opponent has yet to be revealed and will be announced when the full NFL schedule is released later this year.

This game follows the NFL’s inaugural contest in Brazil last season, which saw the Green Bay Packers face the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles at the same venue.

“After a successful and memorable first game in Brazil in 2024, we are delighted to confirm the league’s return to São Paulo,” said NFL Brazil General Manager Luis Martinez.

Brazil's growing role in the NFL's global strategy

Brazil has emerged as a key international market for the NFL, boasting a fan base of over 36 million—second only to Mexico among non-U.S. markets. São Paulo has been at the forefront of this expansion, generating significant economic benefits from hosting NFL events.

São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes highlighted the financial impact of last year’s game, noting that the city recorded a $60 million economic return from the event.

“It’s an honor to once again represent the NFL on an international stage,” said A.G. Spanos, president of business operations for the Chargers. “It’s also a tremendous opportunity to help grow the game and bring the Chargers brand to millions of sports fans across Brazil and Latin America.”

The Chargers have experience playing in international markets, having previously competed in London and Mexico City as part of the NFL’s global series.

NFL's international expansion continues in 2025

The NFL has hosted 55 regular-season games outside the United States, with international contests held in cities such as London, Munich, Frankfurt, São Paulo, Mexico City, and Toronto. The 2025 season will feature six additional international games as part of the league’s ongoing effort to expand its global presence.

London will host two games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns each participating. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who have a long-standing agreement to play in London, will also feature in a game at Wembley Stadium.

Beyond Europe, Berlin’s Olympic Stadium will host an NFL game featuring the Indianapolis Colts, while Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium will stage a matchup involving the Miami Dolphins. Dublin is also set to host a game, with the Pittsburgh Steelers scheduled to play in the Irish capital.

The NFL has already begun planning for future international games beyond 2025. The league recently confirmed that Melbourne, Australia, will host a regular-season contest in 2026, featuring the Los Angeles Rams.

With Brazil’s growing NFL fan base and the league’s expanding global strategy, São Paulo is likely to remain a key destination for future games, further solidifying the NFL’s presence in South America.