Justin Herbert threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns as the Los Angeles Chargers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 27-21 on Sept. 5, 2025, in São Paulo, Brazil, handing the Chargers their first win over Kansas City since 2021 and ending a multi-game skid against the Chiefs.
Key Takeaways
- Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert finished 25-of-34 for 318 yards, three TDs and rushed a pivotal 19-yard run late in the fourth.
- Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes was 24-of-39 for 258 yards, with one TD and two sacks.
- Quentin Johnston caught two touchdown passes, including a 23-yarder that helped seal the game.
- Game streamed on YouTube as the NFL’s second contest in South America; Neymar attended the match.
- Injuries affected both teams: Chiefs entered short-handed and lost Xavier Worthy to a right shoulder injury early.
- The Chiefs will host Philadelphia on Sept. 14; the Chargers travel to Las Vegas on Sept. 15.
Verified Facts
Herbert completed 25 of 34 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns, while absorbing three sacks. His 19-yard scramble on third-and-14 with 2:21 remaining ended Kansas City’s chance for a comeback and allowed the Chargers to run out the clock.
Mahomes finished 24 of 39 for 258 yards and one touchdown. The Chiefs trimmed the margin to 27-21 after a Harrison Butker 27-yard field goal with 2:34 left, following two incomplete passes at the LA 9 on a late drive.
Quentin Johnston caught a 5-yard touchdown on the Chargers’ opening drive and later hauled in a 23-yard scoring pass that extended LA’s lead to 26-18 with 5:02 left in the fourth quarter. Keenan Allen also had a key 11-yard reception that pushed the Chargers ahead earlier in the second half.
This result was Los Angeles’s first victory over Kansas City since Sept. 26, 2021. The matchup took place at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo and was streamed on YouTube; Brazilian soccer star Neymar attended the event.
Context & Impact
The game marked the NFL’s continued push into South American markets as its second contest staged in the region. Playing internationally adds travel and acclimation factors for both clubs early in the season and provides exposure to new fan bases.
For the Chargers, the win offers early momentum in a competitive AFC West and a confidence boost for Herbert after a strong opener. For the Chiefs, the loss highlights depth concerns at receiver: Rashee Rice begins the season suspended and rookie Jalen Royals was already sidelined with a knee issue.
Short-term effects include roster and medical follow-ups; longer-term, the result will factor into divisional tiebreakers and early-season perceptions of both franchises as they approach their Week 2 matchups.
Official Statements
“It’s monumental. September 5th will go down in some Charger lore, in my opinion. It was a big win.”
Jim Harbaugh, Chargers head coach
“We knew it was going to be a dogfight, so we showed up today with our best effort. It was fun to see.”
Justin Herbert, Chargers quarterback
Unconfirmed
- Official attendance and exact global TV ratings for the São Paulo broadcast have not been released publicly.
- Timetables for Xavier Worthy’s and Denzel Perryman’s returns depend on further medical evaluation and were not confirmed after the game.
Bottom Line
The Chargers’ 27-21 victory in São Paulo was defined by Justin Herbert’s efficient passing, a late quarterback run that ended the Chiefs’ rally, and key contributions from Quentin Johnston and Keenan Allen. The result gives Los Angeles early-season momentum and raises personnel questions for Kansas City heading into a rematch-style test against Philadelphia.