The Baltimore Ravens did more than secure a dramatic victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro. They helped produce the most-watched international game in NFL history. Baltimore’s 34-31 victory drew an average of 24.09 million viewers on CBS, according to the network. The audience peaked at more than 30 million viewers during a chaotic finish at Maracanã Stadium.
The previous international-game record belonged to the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, whose season-opening matchup in Melbourne, Australia, averaged 21.7 million global viewers on Netflix. Ravens-Cowboys benefited from airing on network television during CBS’ late Sunday window. International games typically air on NFL Network or streaming services, limiting their
potential reach. CBS provided Baltimore and Dallas with a platform comparable to one of the network’s premier domestic matchups.
“NFL ON CBS” delivers historic viewership for Ravens-Cowboys in Rio 🇧🇷
— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) September 29, 2026
🌎 Most-watched NFL international game ever
⛰️ Peaked with 30+ M viewers
🏈 Led by Bengals-Steelers at 1 PM: Most-watched Week 3 regional game on CBS since 1990
📈 Season to date: 19.005 M viewers, Up +6%… pic.twitter.com/ZnBtJuEGqm
The teams rewarded that investment with one of the season's best games.
A finish worthy of the audience
Dallas tied the score at 31 with seven seconds remaining and appeared to force overtime. Lamar Jackson immediately found Zay Flowers for a 27-yard completion, giving Baltimore one final opportunity.
After the Ravens called a timeout, Tyler Loop drilled a 56-yard field goal as time expired. The kick secured the victory, moved Baltimore to 2-1, and completed a seven-second drive few viewers will forget.
The dramatic ending provided the ideal finish for the NFL’s first regular-season game in Rio de Janeiro.
CBS also received a strong lead-in from Cincinnati’s game at Pittsburgh. That matchup became the network’s most-watched Week 3 regional game since 1990, helping create an enormous audience for Ravens-Cowboys.
Baltimore’s international profile continues to grow
The Cowboys remain one of the NFL’s largest television draws, and their involvement unquestionably contributed to the record. Baltimore’s performance, however, put Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, and the rest of the Ravens in front of one of the season's largest audiences.
Jackson completed 15 of 20 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns while adding 50 rushing yards. His final completion set up Loop’s game-winning kick.
The Ravens also made a strong impression on the host country. Baltimore generated more online search interest than Dallas across every Brazilian state and the Federal District surrounding the game, giving the franchise another sign that its international reach extends beyond Jackson’s individual popularity.
What the record means for the Ravens
The NFL’s international strategy is no longer limited to introducing teams to new markets. Games such as Ravens-Cowboys have become major television events that can compete with the league’s biggest domestic broadcasts.
That creates value for Baltimore.
The Ravens left Brazil with a win, a signature moment and greater exposure for one of the NFL’s most recognizable rosters. Loop’s walk-off field goal will remain part of the franchise’s 2026 season, but the record audience also made it part of the league’s international history.
For Baltimore, the trip to Rio delivered everything the organization could have wanted: a victory, a memorable finish, and millions of new viewers watching the Ravens at their most dramatic.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens’ win over Cowboys was the most-watched international game ever
