NFL International Series 2026: A Record-Breaking Global Season

The NFL is going bigger than ever in 2026.

The league officially announced nine International Series games — the most in NFL history — spread across four continents, seven countries, and eight world-class stadiums. This marks a major expansion of the NFL’s global strategy and creates unprecedented opportunities for fans to combine live football with bucket-list travel.

Several destinations return as proven hosts, while others — like Madrid, Melbourne, and Paris — represent bold new steps into global markets the league has been eyeing for years.

Below is a complete breakdown of every confirmed NFL International Series 2026 location, including venue history and what makes each stop unique.

London, United Kingdom (3 Games)

London remains the cornerstone of the NFL’s international strategy.

The city will host three games in 2026, continuing a run that began in 2007 and has made London the most established international NFL market. Games are typically split between Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium, both built to accommodate NFL field dimensions and fan experience.

London’s success is driven by:

• Strong ticket demand from U.K. and European fans
• Excellent transatlantic flight access
• A proven game-day atmosphere comparable to U.S. markets

For traveling fans, London NFL games consistently rank among the easiest and most popular international trips.

Madrid, Spain – Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Madrid joins the International Series for the first time in 2026.

The game will be played at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the iconic home of Real Madrid C.F., following its recent multi-year renovation. This marks the NFL’s debut regular-season game in Spain and signals a major push into Southern Europe.

Why Madrid matters:

• Massive international tourism appeal
• One of the world’s most recognizable stadiums
• Strong existing NFL fan growth across Spain

This will likely be one of the most in-demand international tickets of the season.

Melbourne, Australia – Melbourne Cricket Ground

Australia officially enters the NFL regular-season map in 2026.

The game will be hosted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of the largest stadiums in the world, with the Los Angeles Rams confirmed as a participating team.

This marks:

• The NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia
• A major logistical milestone given travel distance
• A strategic play into a fast-growing NFL fan base

For fans, this is a true once-in-a-generation sports trip combining NFL football with Australia travel.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Maracanã Stadium

The NFL continues its expansion into South America with a game at Maracanã Stadium.

Brazil has one of the fastest-growing NFL audiences outside North America, and Rio de Janeiro provides an iconic global backdrop for the league’s return to the region.

Key highlights:

• One of the most famous stadiums in sports history
• Huge local interest in American football
• A destination-driven NFL experience unlike any other

Expect this game to attract fans from across Latin America and beyond.

Munich, Germany – Allianz Arena

Germany remains a priority market for the NFL.

The 2026 game will be played at Allianz Arena, home of FC Bayern Munich. Previous games in Munich sold out rapidly, reinforcing Germany’s status as one of the league’s strongest international fan bases.

Why Munich continues to work:

• Consistently sold-out crowds
• Central European accessibility
• Strong TV and merchandise engagement

Germany is now firmly established as a long-term NFL destination.

Paris, France – Stade de France

Paris will host its first NFL regular-season game in 2026.

The matchup will take place at Stade de France, with the New Orleans Saints confirmed as one of the participating teams. The choice of Paris reflects France’s growing NFL interest and the city’s unmatched global tourism appeal.

What makes Paris strategic:

• Massive international visibility
• Strong crossover appeal for casual fans
• One of Europe’s most accessible travel hubs

This game blends premium destination travel with elite NFL branding.

Mexico City, Mexico – Estadio Banorte

Mexico City returns as a proven International Series host.

The game will be played at Estadio Banorte, home of Club América. Mexico has hosted multiple NFL games over the years, consistently delivering some of the loudest crowds in international play.

Why Mexico City remains essential:

• One of the NFL’s largest international fan bases
• Altitude-driven, high-energy game environment
• Easy access for North American travelers

Mexico City games are known for atmosphere and intensity.

What This Means for NFL Fans in 2026

The 2026 International Series isn’t just bigger — it’s strategically different.

With new markets like Spain, France, and Australia, the NFL is clearly testing future expansion potential while giving fans unprecedented global access to regular-season games.

For traveling fans, these games represent:

• Limited-inventory, high-demand tickets
• Destination-driven sports travel experiences
• Early booking advantages for flights and hotels

Expect international NFL travel in 2026 to be more competitive and more rewarding than ever.