The National Football League is strategically broadening its international presence, announcing ambitious plans to host regular-season games in new global markets and solidify its existing international partnerships. This expansion includes a historic first-ever game in Paris, along with renewed commitments to bring games back to Madrid and Mexico City, showcasing the league's dedication to growing its global fanbase.
These initiatives are part of a wider international strategy that will see the NFL continue to host games in London and Munich, and also introduce its first game in Australia and Brazil, demonstrating a comprehensive effort to make American football a truly global sport.
NFL's European Expansion: Paris Debut and Madrid's Return
The NFL is set to make a landmark move by hosting its first regular-season game in the vibrant city of Paris in 2026, with the New Orleans Saints confirmed as one of the participating teams. This historic event will take place at the 80,000-seat Stade de France, a prestigious venue that recently hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized that bringing a regular-season game to Paris is a significant step in the league's global expansion, highlighting the city's status as a major sporting and cultural hub. The Saints' involvement is particularly fitting, given the strong cultural ties between Louisiana and France, and their growing fanbase in the region.
The league is also reinforcing its presence in Spain, with multi-year agreements to bring games back to Madrid starting in 2026. This follows a successful inaugural game in Spain during the 2025 season, which saw the Miami Dolphins defeat the Washington Commanders in an overtime thriller, attracting a crowd of 78,610 fans to Real Madrid's iconic Bernabeu Stadium. The renewed agreement will ensure that the Bernabeu continues to be the venue for future NFL games in Madrid. Real Madrid's institutional relations director, Emilio Butragueno, expressed pride in hosting the NFL once again, noting the positive impact of this alliance on the image of Madrid and the Spanish brand globally. Teams like the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, and Dolphins hold marketing rights in Spain, where the NFL boasts a significant following of 11 million fans.
Re-establishing North American and Expanding Global Footprint
The NFL's international strategy extends beyond Europe, with a confirmed return to Mexico City's Estadio Banorte in 2026, marking the first time since 2022 that the league will play a regular-season game there. The league plans to host one game annually in Mexico City for the next three seasons, recognizing the immense passion for American football in the country, where the NFL claims to have 40 million fans. The Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers have a history of playing in Mexico City, having participated in both the 2005 debut and the 2022 game, though specific teams for the upcoming contest have yet to be announced. Arturo Olive, NFL Mexico Director General, expressed delight in bringing regular-season games back, reaffirming the league's deep and long-standing connection with Mexican fans and its commitment to growing the sport at all levels in the market.
In addition to these key locations, the NFL is further expanding its global footprint in 2026 by hosting its first-ever game in Australia, with Melbourne set to be the host city and the Los Angeles Rams participating. This ambitious international schedule also includes three games in London, one in Munich, Germany, and another in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This comprehensive global outreach demonstrates the NFL's strategic vision to cultivate new fan bases and expand the sport's influence across diverse cultural landscapes, solidifying its position as a truly international sports league and bringing the excitement of American football to a broader global audience.