The NFL says the field at Maracanã Stadium passed its required tests ahead of Sunday’s Ravens-Cowboys game in Rio de Janeiro.
NFL field director Nick Pappas said Friday’s testing was conducted with the NFL Players Association and an independent specialist, ESPN’s Todd Archer reported. Pappas said the surface met every mandatory requirement. He expects it to be suitable for the game, with the league focused on how well athletes can perform on it.
That is a significant update after NFLPA executive director JC Tretter raised concerns about traction and stability. Union experts recommended reinforcing the grass with stitching to help keep the surface together. Tretter described the risk of excessive slipping primarily as a playability and performance
concern, rather than a significant injury concern. Pappas said the bumpiness that drew complaints from soccer players presents a different issue for football. If rain arrives, the stadium has a tarp available to cover the field.
Checking in from the Maracana pic.twitter.com/XvpQpwXn2D
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 26, 2026
Passing the tests settles an important question before kickoff, though the Ravens and Cowboys will get their clearest sense of the footing once they begin playing at full speed. For now, the NFL’s assessment is that the field meets its requirements for Sunday’s game.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: NFL says Ravens-Cowboys field passed required tests in Brazil
