Sunday, September 27, 2026 220 stories · 2547 outlet reports compared

NFL clears Maracana Stadium field ahead of Cowboys-Ravens game in Rio

The NFL confirmed the playing surface at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is ready for Sunday's Cowboys-Ravens game, even as concerns about the field's condition persisted ahead of kickoff.

By The Lumen desk · Sept 27, 2026 · 1 min read
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What we know
1 The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens played Sunday at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
2 This was the first NFL game held in Rio de Janeiro, according to the Associated Press.
3 The NFL stated the field conditions were approved ahead of the game.
4 The Cowboys had raised concerns about the field, according to CBS News.
5 The game was broadcast on CBS, according to CBS Sports.

The NFL declared the field at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ready for Sunday's game between the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens, according to multiple outlets.

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Questions about the turf's condition arose in the days before the game, with reports noting the field was still being trimmed as Rio prepared to host its first NFL game, according to the Associated Press.

The Cowboys reportedly raised concerns about the Maracana field ahead of facing the Ravens, according to CBS News.

Despite the league's assurance that the field was ready, questions about its condition persisted, according to Yahoo Sports.

How each side covered it

Left

3 outlets
  • Reports noted the Maracana turf was still being trimmed as Rio prepared for its first NFL game, according to the Associated Press.
  • CBS News reported the Cowboys raised concerns about the field ahead of facing the Ravens.
  • USA Today reported the field conditions received approval ahead of the Brazil game.

“Maracana Stadium turf still being trimmed ahead of Cowboys-Ravens as Rio gears up for 1st NFL game” — Associated Press

Center

2 outlets
  • Yahoo Sports reported the NFL declared the Brazil field ready even as questions persisted.
  • CBS Sports reported the NFL addressed field condition concerns ahead of the Week 3 matchup.
  • Center-leaning outlets noted the game was broadcast on CBS from Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

“NFL Declares Brazil Field Ready Even As Questions Persist” — Yahoo Sports

Questions readers ask

What happened with the field at Maracana Stadium before the Cowboys-Ravens game?

The turf at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro was still being trimmed in the days leading up to the game, and the Dallas Cowboys reportedly raised concerns about its condition. The NFL ultimately declared the field ready ahead of Sunday's kickoff against the Baltimore Ravens.

Why does this game matter?

The Cowboys-Ravens matchup was the first NFL game played in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, according to the Associated Press, marking an expansion of the league's international game series.

Did the field issues affect the game?

The sources provided do not report whether the field conditions ultimately caused any problems during the game.

What did left- and center-leaning outlets focus on?

Left-leaning outlets emphasized the last-minute preparation of the field and the Cowboys' concerns, while center-leaning outlets focused on the NFL's official assurance that the field was ready despite lingering questions.

Sources · 5 outlet reports

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