Why is Eagles vs. Packers being played in Brazil? Explaining NFL's decision to take 'International Series' to Sao Paolo

Author Photo
Jordan Love 072224
(Getty Images)

The NFL is expanding its audience to yet another continent in 2024.

After holding its first regular-season game in Europe in 2007, the league is taking on a new continent with a game in Brazil. Friday's game will mark the first time an NFL game has been played in South America.

The Eagles face the Packers in the special edition game as part of the NFL's Week 1 schedule. The matchup between Philadelphia and Green Bay will be the lone NFL game Friday, Sept. 6.

Here's all the information needed for the Eagles-Packers game in Brazil, including why the NFL decided to host a game there.

NEW NFL RULE EXPLAINERS: Kickoffs | Guardian caps | No chain gang

Why is Eagles vs. Packers being played in Brazil?

The NFL scheduled a game in Brazil as part of the league's mission to grow the game globally.

Football is a sport with deep ties to the United States. Indeed, outside the U.S., the sport is called "American football" because soccer is referred to as football.

Still, the NFL has played dozens of international games dating back to as early as mid-1900s in Canada. The league expanded into Mexico, Japan, Sweden, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Australia and China, though most of these were exhibitions.

MORE: Ranking the best players in the 2025 NFL Hall of Fame class

Not until 2007 did the NFL host its first regular season game outside of the United States. London received the honors and became the primary location for the annual international NFL tradition.

Here's what NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had to say in December 2023 regarding the decision to play in Brazil in 2024.

Bringing the NFL to new continents, countries and cities around the world is a critical element of our plan to continue to grow the game globally. Brazil has established itself as a key market for the NFL, and we are excited to be playing in Brazil and São Paulo for the first time in 2024. We look forward to working with the city of São Paulo, SP Turis and Arena Corinthians to deliver a world-class gameday experience for this passionate and growing fan base.

The NFL also has played regular season games in Germany, Canada and Mexico. Brazil is the latest to join as the league expands its audience.

MORE: How Jalen Hurts, Nick Sirianni are seeking to mend their relationship

What NFL teams are playing in Brazil?

The Eagles are playing the Packers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, during Week 1 of the NFL regular season.

It's the first NFL game to be played in South America.

Where is Eagles vs. Packers being played?

  • Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Stadium: Arena Corinthians

Eagles vs. Packers is being played in Sao Paulo, Brazil at the Arena Corinthians.

The stadium is the home field for SC Corinthians, a Brazilian soccer team. It was also the host stadium for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.

"The National Football League's decision to bring a regular season game to São Paulo is significant and exciting for the city, consolidating São Paulo and Brazil at the center of the global sporting stage," Sao Paulo mayor Ricardo Nunes said. "Through our hard work, we will now be able to welcome the NFL to our city, hosting this historic game that will have a positive impact on tourism, employment and the city's economy."

MORE: How much is Jordan Love's contract extension worth?

When is Eagles vs. Packers in Brazil?

  • Date: Friday, Sept. 6
  • Time: 8:15 p.m. ET

The Eagles vs. Packers game in Brazil will take place on Friday, Sept. 6, at 8:15 p.m. ET.

Luckily for U.S. football fans, there isn't much of a time difference. Brazil is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and four hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.

U.S. fans aren't as lucky with other international games such as the London or Germany matches, which are at least five hours ahead.

How to watch Eagles vs. Packers in Brazil?

  • Date: Sept. 6
  • Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
  • Livestream: Peacock

The Eagles vs. Packers game will only be available on Peacock unless fans typically receive local coverage of the Eagles or Packers.

Brazil will have its own local broadcast partners which were announced in June 2024. The NFL teamed up with CazeTV, RedeTV! and ESPN Brazil to showcase the game to fans in Brazil.

Author(s)
Author Photo
Brendan O'Sullivan is an editorial intern for Sporting News.
LATEST VIDEOS