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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

National reaction to Eagles opening 2024 NFL seaon on a Friday night in Brazil

The National Football League will play a regular season game in Brazil in 2024 — the first ever in South America — as the league emphasizes global growth as a significant strategic priority.

That historic first game in Brazil will take place in the city of São Paulo at the Corinthians Arena, home to the Brazilian soccer team, the Sport Club Corinthians.

The stadium was the official venue for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. With the game in South America, the NFL will have played a game (preseason or regular season) in five of the seven continents worldwide.

The Eagles confirmed they will play host against a team to be named.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made the initial announcement at the 2023 December League Meeting in Dallas.

“The Eagles organization is honored to have been selected to play in the first-ever National Football League game in South America,” said Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles Chairman and CEO. “With the global growth of our sport being a top priority to our league, we embrace the opportunity to grow our fanbase around the world and bring Eagles football to the 38 million sports fans in Brazil. One of the world’s most culturally diverse nations, Brazil is an international melting pot, and we look forward to experiencing its warm, vibrant, and welcoming environment later this year.”

As part of the NFL International Series, this will be the first Friday night game on opening weekend in over 50 years. The opponent and kickoff time will be announced later, closer to when the 2024 NFL schedule is revealed this spring.

The potential opponents for that opener include the Cowboys, Giants, Commanders, Browns, Falcons, Jaguars, Steelers, Packers, and Panthers.

With the news now official, here’s the national reaction to the the Eagles taking over Brazil.

John Clark

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 04: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles and NFC reacts during the first quarter of the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium on February 04, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Brooks Kubena

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 15: Head coach Nick Sirianni and Jason Kelce #62 of the Philadelphia Eagles hug during the NFC Wild Card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Howard Eskins

TEMPE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 09: A detailed view of a Philadelphia Eagles helmet lays on the field in a practice session prior to Super Bowl LVII at Arizona Cardinals Training Center on February 09, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. The Kansas City Chiefs play the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023 at State Farm Stadium. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Brenden Deeg

Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65), center Cam Jurgens (51), center Jason Kelce (62) and guard Landon Dickerson (69) against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Kempski

Jan 7, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scrambles as New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) pursues during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

There’s a ton of trouble to get in.

94 WIP

Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (2) reacts after breaking up a pass play against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

NFL

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 18: Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 18, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Jeff Skversky

Jan 7, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (17) is tackled before the pylon by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Eli Ricks (39) pursues during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Crossing Broad

Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) scrambles away from Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis (90) during overtime at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Adam Schefter

Jan 7, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo (22) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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