Herbert shines in São Paulo as Chargers beat Chiefs in historic NFL debut

September 6, 2025, NFL (Photo: Chargers)

The NFL returned to South America with a matchup full of tension and spectacle. In São Paulo, Justin Herbert led the Los Angeles Chargers with a high-caliber performance: 318 passing yards and three touchdown passes that ended a streak of seven consecutive losses against the Kansas City Chiefs. The final score was 27-21, a result that gives the team a strong start to the season.

Patrick Mahomes did not have a comfortable night. Although he threw for 258 yards and one touchdown, the defensive pressure from Khalil Mack and mistakes on the offensive line limited his impact. Kansas City, already without Rashee Rice and missing Jalen Royals due to a knee injury, also lost Xavier Worthy early in the game with a shoulder issue, leaving them without rhythm or options.

The decisive moment came in the final quarter. With the Chiefs pushing for a comeback, Herbert connected on a 23-yard pass to Quentin Johnston, and soon after sealed the victory with a 19-yard run on third-and-14, draining the clock and Mahomes’ hopes.

The game was about more than football. Neymar was in the stands, Karol G lit up the halftime show, and global attention focused on Mahomes and his partnership with Travis Kelce. The stage highlighted the NFL’s ability to expand into new markets.

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh captured the moment perfectly: “This win is monumental. September 5 will go down in Chargers history.”

Looking ahead, Kansas City will host Philadelphia in a rematch of the last Super Bowl, while the Chargers will face Las Vegas in the first of three consecutive divisional games. A symbolic start: victory in South America and finally breaking through against their divisional nemesis.