The Los Angeles Chargers had the option to keep their home matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on U.S. soil—but they chose otherwise.
According to Sports Business Journal’s Ben Fischer and Austin Karp, the NFL has selected the Chiefs to face the Chargers in the league’s first-ever game in Brazil, slated for Friday night of Week 1. The game will be played in São Paulo, and notably, it was one of the Chargers’ three AFC West home games they elected not to protect.
Los Angeles Chargers Chose Not To Protect Division Rivalry Home Game
Under current NFL international series rules, teams designated to host a game abroad can protect up to two home matchups. Per the report, the Chargers did not protect any of their divisional games—against the Chiefs, Broncos, or Raiders. Instead, they focused on protecting less frequent visitors to SoFi Stadium. The Steelers, Commanders, and Eagles were reportedly top priorities due to their less regular appearances in L.A.
While the specific two games the Chargers protected have not been publicly confirmed, the decision clearly signals the franchise’s strategy: safeguard rare, high-drawing opponents and embrace the opportunity for global exposure against a familiar divisional rival.
If the reports are accurate—and confirmation is expected Tuesday morning—the Chargers will lose a home-field edge in one of their most anticipated matchups of the season. However, they’ll retain home dates against the Steelers, Eagles, Commanders, Texans, Colts, Vikings, Broncos, and Raiders.
With the Chargers leaning into international branding and league ambitions, they’ve made it clear: some rivalries can travel.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Chargers YouTube Channel