Ricky Martin and Pedro Sampaio to Headline 2026 NFL Rio Game Halftime Show at Maracanã Stadium
Ricky Martin and Pedro Sampaio are set to headline the halftime show at the 2026 NFL Rio Game in Brazil on September 27. The game will feature the Baltimore Ravens against the Dallas Cowboys at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium, marking the first NFL regular-season game in the city. This performance is part of a series of seven halftime shows sponsored by American Express during the NFL’s 2026 International Games, which will take place in seven countries across four continents. The game is scheduled to kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET.
Pedro Sampaio, a Brazilian funk artist with over 14 billion audio and video streams worldwide and more than 11 million monthly Spotify listeners, expressed his excitement about performing at Maracanã Stadium alongside Ricky Martin. Martin, a global music icon who has sold over 95 million albums and achieved chart-topping success, is thrilled to return to Rio for this historic event. The duo's performance is expected to captivate fans with their energy and musical talent.
The NFL has recognized the cultural influence of Latin music and the connection that artists like Pedro Sampaio and Ricky Martin have with fans worldwide. The upcoming halftime show will be broadcast live in Brazil on Globo’s channels GETV and sportv, allowing fans to experience the electrifying performance. Limited-edition merchandise commemorating the event will also be available at NFL Shops in Rio, adding to the excitement surrounding the game.
This announcement follows the confirmation of the Jonas Brothers' performance at the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game in Australia, further showcasing the NFL's commitment to bringing top-tier entertainment to its international games. The collaboration between Ricky Martin and Pedro Sampaio promises to deliver a memorable halftime show that celebrates the intersection of sports and music on a global stage.