Update on NFL International Series Could Have Cowboys Making History

It appears the Dallas Cowboys won't play in Mexico City, but they could be part of a historic NFL International Series game.

Dallas Cowboys co-owners Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones during pregame warmups against the Los Angeles Chargers. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Earlier this week, it seemed as though the Dallas Cowboys were going to be heading to Mexico City as part of the NFL International Series.

The Cowboys have played in Mexico City three times, although all of those contests were in the preseason. Still, their following in the country is huge and Jerry Jones has expressed an interest in returning.

MORE: Jake Ferguson's Fiancée Haley Cavinder Rocks Cowboy Hat in SI Swimsuit Covershoot

Now it's clear this won't happen. Nick Harris quoted ESPN's John Sutcliffe, saying the Cowboys are not going to Mexico. Harris added that they won't be in Melbourne, Australia, either. While that was a possibility, it will instead be the Los Angeles Rams and one of their NFC West rivals.

Ok, I’ve been tracking down any update I can get this week on Dallas Cowboys’ potential international destination in 2026.

I was told while Dallas was on the table for Melbourne, it will most likely be an NFC West team joining the Rams down under. Who exactly it will be could be… https://t.co/DYa14oLeM6

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) February 5, 2026

Cowboys could play in first game in Rio de Janeiro

Silhouette of Christ the Redeemer statue during the 2016 Rio Olympics. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The good news for those who want to see Dallas play in one of these contests is that it's still expected to happen. Harris quoted Sutcliffe, who believes Brazil is in play.

“I know Dallas is not going to Mexico, and the idea is Brazil,” Sutcliffe said in a report (translated from Spanish)

MORE: Cowboys Named as Preferred Trade Destination for Disgruntled Superstar

The NFL has played two games in São Paulo, Brazil. The Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers made history by playing there in 2024, and the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs squared off in 2025.

This year, the league is making a change as they're going to have their first game in Rio de Janeiro. If the Cowboys are chosen for this game, it would be a history-making event.

Cowboys rarely featured in international games

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant celebrates after scoring against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL International Series game. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Despite their popularity, the Cowboys have played in only one regular-season international game. This was in 2014, when they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars by a score of 31-17 in Wembley Stadium.

The primary reason falls on Jones, who has been reluctant to surrender a home game. Perhaps that changes this year.

— Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

New Cowboys 2026 Mock Draft Takes Wild Turn With Shock WR Pick in Round 1

6 Dallas Cowboys Dream Targets in 2026 NFL Free Agency

Cowboys Urged to Trade First-Round Pick for All-Pro Pass Rusher

Pending Free Agent George Pickens Being Recruited by NFC Rival, Per CeeDee Lamb

Cowboys 'Most Likely' Cap Casualties Include 53-Game Starter, All-Pro DT

Meet Brenley Herrera: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader 2025 Rookie