Chargers shock Chiefs in Sao Paulo to kick off 2025 NFL season

The 2025 NFL season kicked off with an international spectacle in Sao Paulo , where the Los Angeles Chargers pulled off a major upset by beating the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs 27-21 .

The Corinthians Stadium witnessed an intense duel that made history as the league's first official match on Brazilian soil.

From the first quarter, Justin Herbert led the Los Angeles offense with a touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston that ignited the atmosphere.

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Although Patrick Mahomes attempted to respond , the Chargers maintained control of the scoreboard for much of the game thanks to the strength of their defense and the accuracy of kicker Cameron Dicker .

In the second half, Mahomes narrowed the gap with a personal run and later a pass to Travis Kelce that allowed him to surpass Dan Marino 's record as the quarterback under 30 with most regular-season touchdown passes.

However, Kansas City 's comeback fell short, as Johnston came back to seal the win for Los Angeles with another key touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The game also left dramatic moments, such as the injury of rookie Xavier Worthy , who left the field after an accidental collision with Kelce on the first offensive series.

The receiver's absence limited the Chiefs ' offensive options, and they were unable to regain their rhythm until the final stretch.

With this result, the Chargers have started off on a strong footing in the AFC West and are sending a message of competitiveness in a season where they are looking to end Kansas City 's hegemony.

For the Chiefs , the loss means quick adjustments on offense and injury management, especially after losing one of their most anticipated prospects.