In a groundbreaking move, the Green Bay Packers are set to make history once again as they gear up for their second international regular-season game, this time against the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo, Brazil.
The first-ever regular season game IN BRAZIL is SET! 🇧🇷 @NFLBrasil
And for the first time in more than 50 years, an NFL game will be played on Friday night of opening weekend. pic.twitter.com/9T4HGqXdkd
— NFL (@NFL) April 10, 2024
The announcement, made by the NFL today, marks a significant milestone for the league, as it will be the first-ever NFL game held in South America.
Scheduled for Friday, September 6th, the game will take place at the Corinthians Arena, home to Brazilian soccer giants SC Corinthians.
This will be 🔥
Two teams that made a lot of moves this offseason.
Excited to see them matchup!
Go Birds! 🦅
— Jim Kryjer (@jimkryjer) April 10, 2024
The decision to select the Packers as the Eagles’ opponent comes two years after their previous international game in London.
Despite logistical concerns raised by Packers president Mark Murphy regarding travel arrangements, the team expressed eagerness to participate in the historic matchup.
My brothers:
There's no way we can go to Brazil for the game. It's gonna be way too expensive!
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) April 10, 2024
“We’re very supportive of international play,” Murphy stated at the NFL annual meetings last month. “This is very important for the league. The Packers are very popular in Brazil. If we’re chosen, we’ll gladly go.”
The Eagles had previously been designated as the home team for the Brazil game, which will coincide with the traditional season opener following the defending Super Bowl champions’ game.
It will also mark the first Friday night game in Week 1 since 1970.
if the NFL is willing to play on a Friday in September in Brazil there is absolutely nothing they won't do
not your dads NFL
this is the takeover https://t.co/WdKxeVhClG
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 10, 2024
“I think we’re either the first- or second-most popular team in Brazil,” Murphy said. “As we talked about, we’re kind of the people’s team. People really like the idea of a community owned team, with our history and tradition.”
Green Bay lost their only previously played game outside of the United States (against the New York Giants in London back in 2022.)
TOUCHDOWN PACKERS 🇧🇷🇧🇷
NFL Brazil dropped a Packers hype video 🧀
pic.twitter.com/SwAOM6pUAV— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) April 10, 2024
“We’re looking forward to being a part of this historic matchup against the Eagles in São Paulo,” Murphy said in a statement. “We’re excited to play in front of our devoted fans in Brazil and help build upon the international popularity of the NFL and the Packers.”
“We had a great experience playing internationally for the first time a couple of years ago and we’re proud to be part of the league’s continued global growth.”
And if ya don’t know, now ya know.. #brazil #nfl pic.twitter.com/BnWZb6JO6S
— That Hurts 🦅 ❤️🔥 (@That_Hurts) April 10, 2024
For better or worse, the NFL’s decision to stream the Week 1 game exclusively on Peacock reflects the league’s commitment to global expansion.
Additionally, the game will be available on free, over-the-air broadcast television in the local markets of the competing teams, as well as on mobile devices with NFL+.
Why are people so angry about the Packers playing in Brazil?
– It's an away game, which means you don't have to play in Philly.
– You know there's going to be a ton of Packers fans
– Oh it's on Peacock? The NFL says it will be broadcasted on TV in local markets for free. pic.twitter.com/Cs0XsZZ1d7— Joe Zenzola (@RadioJoeSports) April 10, 2024
“As global growth continues to be a critical and strategic priority for the NFL and its 32 clubs, we are thrilled to have the Green Bay Packers playing against the Philadelphia Eagles in our first-ever game in South America,” managing director and head of NFL International Gerrit Meier said in a statement.
“With over 35 million passionate fans in Brazil, the Friday night 2024 regular season opener in São Paulo will bring an incredible energy – marking a historic moment for our sport internationally.”
The game could be on the moon for all I care, Go Pack Go!
— Justin (@JustinWilkie81) April 10, 2024
The Brazil game is part of the NFL’s 2024 international series, which includes five regular-season games.
Alongside the Packers-Eagles matchup in São Paulo, the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Jacksonville Jaguars will host games in London, while the Carolina Panthers will host a game in Munich, Germany.
The #Packers have the largest NFL fan base in Brazil. pic.twitter.com/yW8z78xSiv
— Wendell Ferreira (@wendellfp) April 9, 2024
What are your thoughts on the matchup in Brazil?
Obviously, Eagles-Packers is one of the most marquee matchups of the entire season … Being such an important and impactful game, should it have been kept as an Eagles home game and played in Philadelphia?
In the bigger picture, what do you think of the NFL’s continued attempt to globalize football? … Are you in favor of it???
Agree. While I am sure the NFL liked the matchup because its a good one, it would have made more sense to play an AFC team in this spot.
— Crush Wallstreet (@Wallstreet1975) April 10, 2024