The NFL confirmed that, for the second consecutive year, it will hold a regular season game in São Paulo, Brazil. "After a successful and memorable first game in Brazil in 2024, we are thrilled to confirm the league's return to Sao Paulo with the Los Angeles Chargers as the designated team," NFL Brazil general manager Luis Martinez said in a league statement.

The game is scheduled for September 5, 2025, in the first week of the regular season, and will be played at Arena Corinthians. The Chargers will be the home team, but their opponent will be announced along with the full NFL schedule in the coming months.

The first NFL regular season game in South America took place in September 2024 at the same stadium, with the Philadelphia Eagles taking on the Green Bay Packers. In that game, Jalen Hurts' Eagles defeated the Packers 34-29 in front of more than 46,000 spectators. This event marked a milestone in the league's expansion outside the United States.

Brazil represents a key market for the NFL, with more than 36 million American soccer fans, according to league figures. The decision to return to São Paulo responds to the growing interest in the sport and the success of the inaugural game in the region.

In addition to the Brazil clash, the NFL will continue its international expansion strategy with a schedule that includes two games in London, one in Berlin, one in Dublin and the league's debut in Spain. The Madrid game will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, with the Miami Dolphins taking part. A first game in Australia has also been confirmed for 2026, reinforcing the NFL's commitment to the globalization of the sport.

A.G. Spanos, president of business operations for the Chargers, expressed his enthusiasm for the franchise's commitment to the event, "We are excited to represent the NFL and expand the Chargers brand in Brazil." The organization of the event involves collaboration with local authorities and sports organizations to ensure its success.

The economic impact of these games is significant, with benefits for the local economy in sectors such as tourism and commerce. The NFL also drives community development initiatives in Brazil, promoting participation in sports through grassroots programs.

For fans interested in attending, ticketing information is expected to be released in the coming months. It is recommended to watch for official announcements, given the growing interest in these international events.

The return of the NFL to São Paulo reaffirms the league's expansion strategy and the consolidation of Brazil as a relevant destination in the professional American soccer calendar.

With information from AFP