The National Football League (NFL) is embarking on its most ambitious international tour yet in 2026, with nine games scheduled across four continents. This expansion not only showcases the league’s growing global appeal but also presents unique logistical challenges and cultural exchanges. From the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground to the iconic Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, the NFL is pushing the boundaries of its reach.
The 2026 season will see the NFL visit Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Madrid, and Munich, with the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers each playing two international games. This global tour is a testament to the league’s commitment to expanding its footprint and engaging with fans worldwide.
The Longest Journey: Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne
The highlight of the international slate is the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 11. This match marks the NFL’s farthest venture yet, with a nearly 16-hour flight from the West Coast. The Melbourne Cricket Ground, known as ‘The G,’ is the largest stadium on the NFL’s international calendar, with a capacity of 100,000 spectators.
Australians refer to American football as ‘gridiron’ to distinguish it from their beloved Australian football. The game is scheduled for 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, September 11, which translates to 8:35 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, in the Eastern Time Zone. Fans traveling to Melbourne might want to brush up on their knowledge of Australian cricket legend Shane Warne to appreciate the rich sporting culture of the host city.
Historic Showdown: Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro
On September 27, the Dallas Cowboys will face the Baltimore Ravens at the legendary Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. This marks the Cowboys’ second international game and the first-ever NFL match in Rio. The league has committed to hosting at least three regular-season games in Rio over the next five years, following two previous games in São Paulo.
The Maracanã, which has hosted two FIFA World Cup finals and the 2016 Summer Olympics, promises an electric atmosphere. The matchup features a thrilling quarterback duel between Dak Prescott of the Cowboys and Lamar Jackson of the Ravens. The flight from Dallas to Rio takes approximately 10 hours, adding to the logistical complexity of the international games.
Londons’s Enduring Appeal and Jacksonville’s Unique Challenge
London remains a staple on the NFL’s international calendar, hosting three games in 2026. The Indianapolis Colts will take on the Washington Commanders at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 4, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles versus the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 11. The Jaguars will then face the Houston Texans at Wembley Stadium on October 18, making them the first team to play two international games in the same season.
The Jaguars, who have a 7-7 record in London games, are in the midst of renovating their home stadium in Jacksonville. Washington’s last visit to London ended in a 27-27 draw against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016. Quarterback Jayden Daniels of the Commanders will make his international debut after missing last year’s game in Madrid due to injury.
Paris Makes Its Debut: New Orleans Saints vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The NFL will make its debut in Paris on October 25, with the New Orleans Saints facing the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Stade de France. The Saints, with their French-inspired fleur-de-lis logo, have a natural connection to the City of Light. The Steelers, led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, are no strangers to international stages, having played in Dublin last season.
The Stade de France, with a capacity of over 80,000, was the centerpiece of the Paris 2026 Summer Olympics. It hosted the closing ceremony, where Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance. The stadium has a rich history, having hosted the 1998 FIFA World Cup final, where France defeated Brazil 3-0.
Additional International Showdowns
Other notable international games include the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on November 8. The Bernabéu, home to Real Madrid, is one of the most iconic sports venues in the world. The Falcons lost to the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin last season, while the Bengals’ last international game was in 2019.
On November 15, the New England Patriots will face the Detroit Lions in Munich. The Lions’ wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, whose mother was born in Germany, has a strong following among German NFL fans. The game will be held at the Allianz Arena, home to Bayern Munich, and marks the third NFL game in Munich.
The Vikings will also make their mark on the international stage, playing in Mexico City on November 22. The NFL’s global expansion is not just about the games but also about fostering a deeper connection with international fans and showcasing the sport’s universal appeal.
