A Record-Setting Global Footprint

The National Football League will play a record nine regular-season games outside the United States during the 2026 season, the league announced, marking the most ambitious international schedule in NFL history. The games will span four continents, seven countries, and eight stadiums, underscoring the league’s aggressive push to grow American football’s global audience.

The expanded slate adds new host cities including Madrid, Paris, and Melbourne while maintaining the league’s presence in established international venues across London, Munich, Mexico City, and Rio de Janeiro, as reported by NFL.

The Complete International Lineup

London remains the cornerstone of the NFL’s international program, hosting three games across Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The English capital has been the league’s most reliable overseas destination since the International Series began in 2007, and the three-game slate ensures London remains central to the expansion strategy.

Beyond London, each of the remaining six cities will host a single game. Madrid will welcome the NFL to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, as part of a new multiyear partnership with the City of Madrid and the Comunidad de Madrid. Paris will host its first-ever NFL regular-season game at the Stade de France, with the New Orleans Saints confirmed as one of the participating teams.

Munich returns to the schedule with a game at FC Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, continuing Germany’s growing appetite for American football. Mexico City will host a game at Estadio Banorte, maintaining the league’s longstanding relationship with its largest international fan base. Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium will stage a game as the NFL builds on its inaugural Brazilian venture from 2024.

Melbourne Marks a Historic First

Perhaps the most headline-grabbing addition is Melbourne, Australia, where the San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The game marks the first time the NFL has staged a regular-season contest in Australia and is expected to open the 2026 season, potentially on a Wednesday to accommodate the time difference and maximize global viewership.

The MCG, one of the most storied sporting venues in the world with a capacity exceeding 100,000, provides a fitting stage for the NFL’s Australian debut. The NFC West rivalry between the 49ers and Rams adds competitive significance to what could otherwise be treated as an exhibition.

The Business of Global Expansion

The NFL’s international push is driven by substantial financial and strategic incentives. International games generate significant revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcast deals while exposing the sport to new fan bases. The league has invested heavily in international fan development programs, youth football initiatives, and media partnerships in target markets.

Commissioner Roger Goodell has made global growth a cornerstone of his tenure, and the nine-game slate for 2026 represents a significant escalation from the five international games played as recently as 2023. The league has indicated that continued expansion is likely, with additional cities being evaluated for future seasons.

Challenges and Considerations

The expanded international schedule is not without its complications. Teams playing abroad face logistical challenges including long travel, time zone disruptions, and the loss of a home game. Player welfare concerns have prompted the NFL to build in additional bye weeks and adjust scheduling to minimize competitive disadvantages.

Some franchises have embraced the international assignment as a branding opportunity, while others have been more reluctant. The league’s approach of rotating teams through international duties aims to distribute both the burden and the benefits across the 32 clubs, as reported by NFL.

Looking Ahead

With nine games confirmed for 2026, the NFL’s international ambitions show no sign of slowing. The league has publicly discussed the possibility of eventually staging a Super Bowl outside the United States and continues to explore new markets across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. For now, the 2026 slate represents the most tangible evidence yet that the NFL envisions itself as a truly global sport.