NFL to return to São Paulo, Brazil in Week 1 of 2025 season; Chargers designated team
The National Football League today announced it will return to play a regular-season game in Brazil in 2025, following the success of the inaugural game in 2024.
As part of the 2025 International Games, the Los Angeles Chargers will play as the designated team in São Paulo at Corinthians Arena, home to Brazilian soccer team SC Corinthians, on Friday night of Week 1 of the 2025 regular season.
The stadium was an official venue for both the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympic Games, as well as home to the NFL’s historic first-ever regular-season game in South America in 2024 (Eagles-Packers).
Brazil is an important global market for the NFL, with more than 36 million fans of the game — the second largest international fan base after Mexico.
“After a successful and memorable first game in Brazil in 2024, we are delighted to confirm the league’s return to São Paulo with the Los Angeles Chargers as the designated team in what will be an incredible next chapter in the market,” said NFL Brazil General Manager Luis Martinez. “Alongside our partners — SPTuris, Mayor Nunes and the Corinthians — we will continue to make history together and look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for passionate fans of the game once again in Brazil.”
“We are proud to have held the first game in NFL history in Brazil, here in our city. The NFL’s return in 2025 demonstrates how prepared São Paulo is for major events and tourists from around the world,” said São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes. “With the expansion of our entertainment calendar, we are generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs with each event. Last year, with a single match, we had an economic return of US$60 million and the expectation is to expand even further this year. Not to mention the exponential gain for sectors that serve the visiting public, such as hotels, taxi drivers, app drivers and the entire hospitality sector.”
“This return is another indication of how São Paulo is undoubtedly one of the main capitals on the planet for major events,” said SPTuris President Gustavo Pires. “It will be an honor to welcome the Chargers and their iconic franchise to our city. We are more than ready for the back-to-back NFL games in São Paulo.”
“It’s an honor to once again represent the NFL on an international stage,” said Chargers President of Business Operations A.G. Spanos. “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. One of the great countries of the world, Brazil is as vibrant, dynamic and culturally diverse as anywhere on the planet and we cannot wait to experience the warmth and passion of its people during our visit.”
The Chargers’ opponent, along with kickoff time for the game on Sept. 5, 2025, will be announced when the full 2025 NFL schedule is revealed this spring.
Beyond the NFL’s second game in-market, the league is committed to growing the game at every level in Brazil, engaging with fans year-round through partners, programs and initiatives.
NFL Flag — the NFL’s official program for non-contact football — was launched in Brazil in 2023. Since its launch, the program has impacted 4,550 young athletes across in-school programs and the local youth league ecosystem, showcasing the league’s efforts to increase participation and inspire the next generation as flag football heads toward its debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Beginning in 2025, the NFL can schedule up to eight league-operated regular-season games internationally.
The NFL has confirmed the following regular-season international games to be played across the 2025 season:
- Two regular-season games in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — the only purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the U.S. — featuring the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns as designated teams.
- One game in Berlin, Germany at the Olympic Stadium Berlin, with the Indianapolis Colts as the designated team.
- One game in Madrid, Spain at the Bernabéu Stadium — Home to Real Madrid C.F., featuring the Miami Dolphins.
- A first-ever regular-season game in Dublin Ireland with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars will also return to Wembley Stadium in London to operate a home game as part of their multi-year commitment to playing a game in the U.K.
The NFL recently announced its first international game for the 2026 regular season, which will be hosted in Melbourne, Australia featuring the Los Angeles Rams.
Fifty-five regular-season NFL games have been played around the world throughout the league’s history, with London, Munich, Frankfurt, São Paulo, Mexico City and Toronto all hosting games to date.
The Chargers have played in three regular-season games internationally, including London (two) and Mexico City (one).
Fans can register for information around the 2025 NFL São Paulo game here: nfl.com/saopaulo