Ricky Martin & Pedro Sampaio to Headline Halftime at 2026 NFL Rio Game

The National Football League (NFL) is set to expand its global footprint with a landmark event in Brazil, featuring an unprecedented halftime show at the 2026 NFL Rio Game. The halftime performance will showcase Puerto Rican superstar Ricky Martin alongside Brazilian DJ, singer, and producer Pedro Sampaio, marking a significant cultural moment for the league's international audience.

Scheduled for September 27, 2026, the game will be held at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracanã Stadium, a venue steeped in sports and music history. The matchup will pit the Baltimore Ravens against the Dallas Cowboys in what will be the first NFL regular-season game hosted in the city. This event is part of the NFL’s broader 2026 International Games campaign, which will feature seven games across seven countries and four continents, underscoring the league’s commitment to global expansion.

Pedro Sampaio, a rising star in Brazilian funk with a substantial international streaming presence, expressed the significance of performing on the Maracanã stage. Having grown up in Rio, this opportunity represents a homecoming and a career milestone, especially given Martin's influence on his musical journey. Sampaio's collaborations with prominent Latin artists and his recent Latin Grammy nomination further establish him as a key figure in contemporary Latin music.

Ricky Martin brings decades of experience and global recognition to the halftime show, with over 95 million albums sold worldwide and a series of chart-topping hits including the iconic "Livin’ La Vida Loca." His participation aligns with the NFL’s strategy of integrating renowned Latin artists to resonate with diverse fanbases. Martin’s previous involvement in high-profile NFL events, including the 2026 Super Bowl halftime alongside Bad Bunny, demonstrates his ongoing relationship with the league.

The NFL’s decision to feature these artists highlights Latin music’s rising influence within the sports entertainment landscape. Tim Tubito, the NFL’s senior director of global game presentation, music, and entertainment, has noted the league’s embrace of Latin culture as a vital connection to fans in Brazil and across Latin America.

Broadcast coverage of the Rio game will be extensive, with Brazilian viewers able to watch live on Globo’s GETV and Sportv channels. Additionally, exclusive halftime show merchandise will be available at NFL Shops in Rio, offering fans tangible memorabilia from this historic event.

This announcement follows the prior confirmation that the Jonas Brothers will perform at the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game on September 10, another inaugural regular-season event marking the NFL’s debut in Australia. Together, these developments signify a concerted effort by the NFL to cultivate new markets and fan engagement through culturally resonant entertainment experiences.

While further details on the halftime production and supporting acts remain limited, the collaboration between Ricky Martin and Pedro Sampaio is poised to deliver a dynamic fusion of Latin pop and Brazilian funk to a global audience. This blend not only celebrates musical diversity but also reflects the NFL’s evolving identity as a global sports and entertainment enterprise.

As the 2026 NFL season approaches, anticipation will build around these international games, with the Rio event standing out as a landmark occasion. The convergence of top-tier football with influential Latin and Brazilian music talent represents a strategic milestone in elevating the NFL’s international appeal and cultural relevance.