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NFL confirms record number of international games for 2026 season

May 13, 2026, 2:00 AM20
(Update: May 13, 2026, 3:00 PM)
country primarily in North America
professional American football league

NFL confirms record number of international games for 2026 season

  • The NFL announced its full schedule for nine international games set for the 2026 season.
  • Games will be held in Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, the UK, and Spain, highlighting the league's global outreach.
  • The expansion of international games signifies the NFL's goal of increasing its presence and connection with fans worldwide.
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The National Football League (NFL) has unveiled its 2026 international game schedule, showcasing an unprecedented nine games outside the United States. This significant expansion marks a notable increase from previous seasons, reflecting the league's growing ambition to reach international audiences and enhance its global footprint. The schedule features games in various countries, including Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany. Among the highlights is the league's first-ever game in Melbourne, Australia, where the San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1. Additionally, the Baltimore Ravens will play against the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro in Week 3, making it a historic moment for NFL games in Brazil. London will host three consecutive weeks of matches, including a clash between the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Week 4. The league will also promote the Jacksonville Jaguars, who will remain in London to play the Texans at Wembley Stadium in Week 6. The schedule concludes with a much-anticipated matchup in Mexico City, where the Vikings will take on the 49ers in Week 11. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has expressed a desire to have international games more frequently, aiming to connect with fans around the world more effectively. This growing emphasis on international games illustrates the NFL's commitment to expanding its brand and engaging with diverse fan bases beyond its traditional market. Reflecting on the upcoming season, the NFL aims not only to entertain but also to build long-lasting relationships with fans in new territories, showcasing the league's ambition to make American football a global sport.

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