On September 6, 2024, the NFL made history by hosting its first game in South America, a landmark event that saw the Philadelphia Eagles face off against the Green Bay Packers at the NeoQuímica Arena in São Paulo, Brazil. With nearly 45,000 fans packing the stadium, the atmosphere was electric, marking a pivotal moment in the NFL’s efforts to expand its global reach, particularly in Brazil, where interest in American football has grown exponentially over the past decade.
Game Recap: Eagles Triumph 34-29
The highly anticipated match did not disappoint, delivering a nail-biting contest from start to finish. Ultimately, it was the Philadelphia Eagles who emerged victorious with a 34-29 win over the Green Bay Packers. The Eagles’ offensive lineup, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley, delivered an impressive performance that left fans buzzing.
Key Game Stats:
- Final Score: Eagles 34, Packers 29
- Saquon Barkley: 109 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving)
- Jalen Hurts: 18 of 22 passes completed for 193 yards, 2 touchdowns
- A.J. Brown: Notable 67-yard touchdown reception
- Zack Baun (Eagles defense): 15 tackles, 2 sacks
Barkley dominated on the ground with 109 rushing yards and three touchdowns, making him the standout player of the game. Meanwhile, Hurts exhibited pinpoint accuracy, completing 82% of his passes and contributing two crucial touchdowns. Wide receiver A.J. Brown wowed the crowd with a spectacular 67-yard touchdown catch, while linebacker Zack Baun anchored the Eagles’ defense with 15 tackles and 2 sacks.
NFL’s Bold Step into Brazil
The NFL’s decision to bring the game to São Paulo is part of a broader strategy to develop the sport internationally. While the NFL has seen success with games in Europe and Mexico, this match marks a major push into South America, where Brazil represents a key growth market.
With an estimated 41 million American football fans in Brazil—a number that may seem small compared to soccer’s massive following—the NFL sees immense potential to build a new fanbase in a country where passion for sports runs deep. The successful execution of this game could serve as a springboard for future events in Brazil and other parts of South America.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the excitement surrounding the event, the game was not without its challenges. Reports surfaced that players were advised to avoid wearing green—a color associated with potential gang affiliations in São Paulo—though this was later attributed to a misunderstanding tied to the local Corinthians soccer team. Eagles cornerback Darius Slay voiced concerns for player safety, going as far as to recommend his family stay away from São Paulo during the game.
These concerns highlighted the complexities of hosting international games in new regions, but they did little to dampen the enthusiasm of fans or the NFL’s commitment to expanding its presence abroad.
A Growing Fanbase and New Opportunities
The success of the Eagles-Packers showdown is likely to open the door for more NFL events in Brazil and across South America. The enthusiastic reception from Brazilian fans, combined with the NFL’s smart investment in the region, indicates that American football could carve out a niche in a country dominated by soccer.
As the NFL continues to globalize, the league is poised to capitalize on emerging markets like Brazil, where a growing interest in American football could transform the sport’s international footprint. With more games and initiatives on the horizon, the NFL is betting big on South America, and this historic match may just be the beginning.
The NFL’s first-ever game in South America was a monumental success. The Philadelphia Eagles’ victory over the Green Bay Packers wasn’t just about the score—it was about the NFL’s bold move into a new market and the enthusiastic reception from Brazilian fans. As the league looks to the future, this game serves as a clear indicator that American football has a place in Brazil, and the NFL’s global expansion is just getting started.
