The NFL is taking a samba step for its 2024 season opener, as the Philadelphia Eagles are slated to face off against the Green Bay Packers on Brazilian turf, marking the league's first regular-season game in the South American country. According to FOX29, the historic matchup is set to take place in São Paulo on September 6, with the Eagles tweeting, "See you Week 1, Packers."
This game is not just a first for the NFL in Brazil, but also a rarity for the league's scheduling, being the first Week 1 game to be played on a Friday since 1970, as reported by The Guardian. Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy expressed excitement about the international exposure, declaring, "We're looking forward to being a part of this historic matchup against the Eagles in Sao Paulo," and noting the importance of engaging with the international fanbase. The game, in a curious twist, will be played at a local club that has a 'ban' on the green, though specifics of this policy were not detailed.
Both teams are bringing promising talent to the field, with Eagles' quarterback Jalen Hurts and Packers' Jordan Love set to lead their respective squads. The signal-callers, both entering the NFL in the 2020 draft, have quickly become faces of their franchises, and the international stage presents a new test for their growing legacies. In keeping with the modern trend of streaming services hosting sports events, NBC's Peacock will exclusively stream the game, as per CBS Sports, with additional broadcasts available on NFL+ and local TV networks.
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