The NFL’s Plan to host a record nine international games in 2026 marks a significant expansion of the league’s global footprint. This announcement comes in the lead-up to Super Bowl LX. Commissioner Rodger Goodell and league executives highlighted this as part of their ongoing efforts to grow the sport worldwide, with games spread across four continents, seven countries, and eight unique stadiums (Seven International games in 2025). It’s seen as a step toward the long-term goal of potentially having every team play one international game per season, or even more.
Key Details on the 2026 International Slate
The nine NFL games include debuts in new markets like France and Australia, a high-profile return to Mexico City since 2022, and other locations like London and Germany. These are the comfirmed elemets know so far:
- Melbourne, Australia– First-ever regular-season game in the country at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The Los Angeles Rams are designated home facing the San Francisco 49ers ( Potentially in week 1 due to time zone advantages for early-season kickoff).
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil– debut at the legendary Maracana stadium. Previous events hosted in this venue include the 1950 and 2014 FIFA World Cups and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic Games. The Dallas Cowboys are comfirmed one of those teams participating in Brazil.
- Paris, France– First-ever game in France at Stade De France. Which in previous events hosted the 2024 Pairs Olympic games and closing ceremonies, along with the 1998 World Cup Final. The New Orleans Saints are one of the participating teams playing in this venue.
- Mexico City, Mexico– Multiyear return to Estadio Azteca (or similar venue). Previous events hosted there were the 1968 Olympics, FIFA World Cup 1970, 1986, and 2026, and the 1975 Pan American Games. The San Francisco 49ers are confirmed to play there.
- Madrid, Spain– return multi-year commitment at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium Home of Real Madrid C.F., mostly known in the UEFA Champions League in the sport of soccer.
- Munich, Germany– Allianz Area comfirmed for 2026 and 2028 to host NFL games Home of FC Bayern Munich. Previous events at this venue include UEFA Champions League matches, and it will host concert performances this year featuring Foo Fighters, The Weekend, Playboi Carti, and BTS. The continued presence of these events last year and this year in Allianz Area will make this venue a unique place for all fans to experience.
- London, United Kingdom– Three games Likely at Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, or Twickenham, are essentially the starting block of the international series, becoming reliable options for NFL games in the UK.
Other rumored or partial matches include potential involvement for teams like the Cleveland Browns (tied to Paris in some reports) or other filling spots in Germany, Spain, etc. Not all matchups’ exact dates or weeks are fully locked in yet- the full 2026 schedule release typically comes later in the offseason ( Spring/Summer), but these international slots are prioritized early due to logistical reasons.
Why This Matters: Growth Challenges and Implications
The NFL’s international push has accelerated post-2020, driven by massive viewership gains abroad, sponsorship opportunities, and fan engagement. Peter O’ Reilly (EVP for international and league events) noted recent years’ focus on expansion, with 2026 building on momentum from markets like Brazil and Spain. Here are some of the angles on the implementations of these international football games:
- Global Expansion strategy– how nine international games can position the NFL toward a global sport, and possibly thinking about future franchises in Europe/Mexico.
- Impact on teams/players– Extra level, jet lag, and bye week scheduling for teams like the 49ers (two games abroad). Player health concerns vs excitement for the new fanbases that help make it happen.
- Market-specific stories– Debuts in Australia (Huge cricket/rugby overlap at MCG) and France (soccer-dominated, but growing American football contest interest); Cowboys in iconic Marcana; 49ers’ Mexico return amid their global brand.
- Business Side– Revenue from tickets, international/national broadcasting deals being made, and partnerships that help promote the event.
- Fan/Travel Experience– Packages via on-location, excitement for international fans, home-field disadvantages, and the value of the experience of that stadium
