Cowboys vs. Ravens Week 3 in Rio: NFL Confirms Game On Despite Field Concerns

As the NFL continues its global expansion in the 2026 season, the Week 3 international showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracanã Stadium is set to kick off as scheduled on Sunday, September 27, despite mounting concerns over the stadium’s grass surface. The league moved swiftly to quell rumors of a potential relocation, with a spokesman telling The Athletic, “The league is looking forward to Sunday’s game in Rio. As with all international games, we have a plan in place to ensure a high-quality playing surface.” According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the NFL has been meticulously monitoring the field conditions and remains confident in its contingency preparations.

League and Team Officials Express Confidence

Cowboys co-owner and executive vice president Stephen Jones echoed the league’s stance during his weekly appearance on Dallas’ 105.3 The Fan. “I don’t have concerns only because the league has said full speed ahead,” Jones told hosts Kevin Hageland and Blake Elliott. “I think if there was a real concern, there would have already been contingent plans being made. Whatever work needs to be done on the field to make sure that it’s safe and great for our players—no one understands that more than the league, that we’ve got to have great surfaces and great playing fields that are very safe for our players.” His comments reflect a unified front from the Cowboys organization, which is eager to showcase its brand on the international stage.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer, fresh off a 37-20 victory over the Washington Commanders, also brushed aside worries. “I have no concerns,” he stated simply. Team owner Jerry Jones added that while he hadn’t received a recent update from the NFL, he would “stay informed” and trusted the league to ensure the playing surface meets its standards. The Cowboys and Ravens (both 1-1) are scheduled to depart for Brazil on Thursday and will hold a practice session on Friday to acclimate to the conditions.

Local Criticism Raises Red Flags

However, the field at Maracanã has come under fire from those who know it best: the players of CR Flamengo, the Brazilian club that calls the stadium home. Goalkeeper Agustin Rossi didn’t mince words, telling Brazilian sports site ge, “It’s unbelievable that we’re playing on a field like this. Both penalty areas are bad as [expletive]. If you look at it, there are bumps everywhere.” Midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta echoed the frustration: “We’ve been struggling a lot in these last few games, and the field keeps getting worse. It’s getting harder and harder to control the ball. We have to try to play quickly.” Their outcry underscores the potential risk to NFL players, who rely on stable footing for high-speed collisions and cuts.

“The Maracanã pitch doesn't seem right to me with less than two months to go until the NFL game there.” – Brazilian reporter Felipe Lawrence on X, early August.

The NFL has a recent precedent for relocating international games due to unsafe fields. In 2018, a Monday Night Football matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams was moved from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to the L.A. Coliseum after the surface was deemed unplayable. That decision, while unpopular, prioritized player safety—a principle the league continues to emphasize.

What’s at Stake for the Cowboys and Ravens

For Dallas, the game represents a chance to build on their Week 2 win and establish momentum in a crowded NFC East. For Baltimore, it’s an opportunity to rebound from a tough start and assert themselves in the AFC North. Both teams feature dynamic playmakers who will be eager to perform on a global stage, but the condition of the field could impact everything from route-running to pass rush. As highlighted on Vulius, the NFL’s commitment to a high-quality surface will be under intense scrutiny, and fans can expect a thorough inspection right up until kickoff.

With the league, team owners, and coaches all expressing confidence, the focus now shifts to the ground crew at Maracanã. The NFL has a plan, but as history shows, plans can change. For now, the Cowboys and Ravens are preparing for a Week 3 clash in Rio, and the football world will be watching closely. Stay tuned to Vulius for continued coverage and official merchandise as the story develops.