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NFL Returns to Brazil with Chiefs vs. Chargers in São Paulo
The NFL is officially back in Brazil. On Friday, September 5, 2025, São Paulo will once again take center stage as the Los Angeles Chargers face the Kansas City Chiefs at the iconic Corinthians Arena in Week 1 of the regular season.
This marks the second-ever NFL regular-season game in South America, following the groundbreaking debut in 2024 when the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles clashed in front of a sold-out Brazilian crowd. That first game not only made history, but also proved Brazil’s passion and potential as a premier international market for American football.
With more than 36 million fans, Brazil is home to the NFL’s second-largest international fan base, trailing only Mexico. The league has been steadily investing in the region, opening a permanent office in Brazil and expanding grassroots initiatives such as NFL Flag, which since 2023 has already introduced the game to more than 4,500 young athletes in schools and youth leagues.
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For the NFL, Brazil represents not only a football-hungry audience but also a chance to expand globally at a time when the sport is aiming for broader international growth. Beginning in 2025, the league can schedule up to eight international regular-season games per year, solidifying São Paulo’s place among world-class host cities alongside London, Munich, Frankfurt, Mexico City, and Toronto.
Chargers, Chiefs and Star Power
This year’s matchup carries extra weight: Justin Herbert and the Chargers will square off against Patrick Mahomes and the defending champion Chiefs, in what promises to be one of the most exciting openers of the season. For Brazilian fans, the chance to witness two of the NFL’s brightest quarterbacks battling live is nothing short of historic.
Adding to the spectacle, the halftime show will feature Colombian superstar Karol G, who in 2024 won her first Grammy and has become one of the most influential Latin artists in the world. “I’ve watched so many NFL halftime shows, and to be part of one on this global stage means so much to me,” Karol G said in a statement.
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The pregame ceremonies will also celebrate local and global culture. Brazilian country-pop star Ana Castela will sing the national anthem of Brazil, while acclaimed American saxophonist Kamasi Washington will perform the U.S. anthem.
São Paulo: A Global Sports Hub
Hosting the NFL has placed São Paulo firmly on the map as a world capital for mega-events. Corinthians Arena, which previously staged matches during the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games, now joins the ranks of elite multi-sport venues worldwide.
The economic impact is equally significant. According to Mayor Ricardo Nunes, last year’s NFL debut in São Paulo generated an estimated $60 million USD in direct and indirect economic returns. “The NFL’s return in 2025 demonstrates how prepared São Paulo is for major events,” Nunes said. “We are creating thousands of jobs and fueling industries from hotels to transportation. The city is more than ready.”
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The NFL has made clear that this is about more than one night under the lights. Through partnerships, fan events, and year-round engagement, the league is committed to deepening its roots in Brazil and across Latin America. With flag football set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Brazil’s participation at both grassroots and elite levels is expected to grow exponentially.
For millions of Latin American fans, the Chargers vs. Chiefs clash in São Paulo is more than just a game, it’s a celebration of culture, sport, and connection. As the NFL continues to look beyond U.S. borders, Brazil is proving to be one of its brightest and boldest frontiers.
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