As co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, American sports fans got a little taste of a truly global event. Yet, it is clear that most US sports fans prefer football to soccer, even if the successful staging of the World Cup will have raised the profile of the latter.
Still, the NFL is also aiming to become a global sport. And while it has a big gap to close on soccer in terms of popularity, it has made a huge effort to build the profile of the NFL abroad by staging regular-season games in other countries.
This season, there will be a record nine NFL International Games, played on almost every corner of the earth. Below, we list those events and have a look at what they could mean for the participating teams.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia (Sept. 10)
The first-ever NFL game played Down Under is a veritable blockbuster between two teams back in the NFL odds for the Super Bowl. The Rams are, in fact, favorites to be Super Bowl champions, but locking horns with the 49ers is never easy. A cracking matchup and one that could be an excellent advert for the NFL as it attempts to build fan bases in Australia.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys, Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Sept. 27)
The NFL returns to Brazil with the first-ever game at the iconic soccer cathedral, the Maracanã. Again, this feels like a blockbuster matchup, but for different reasons. The down-on-their-luck Cowboys remain one of the NFL’s biggest attractions, whereas the Ravens are also among the Super Bowl favorites.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England (Oct. 4)
The first of three games to be held in London this year. The UK is basically the second home of the league outside of the US, hosting 2-3 games every year (almost) without fail. While the Colts vs. Commanders isn’t a glamour matchup in the context of this season, it will inevitably be another sell-out.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England (Oct. 11)
A brilliant one here. The Jags have played in London more than any other team, and they will take up their London residence once again against the excellent Eagles. The Jags are really on the up and will be looking to hit the postseason once again. A very difficult game to call.
Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Wembley Stadium, London, England (Oct. 18)
The final leg of the Jags’ annual jaunt to London. This one looks a little easier on paper than the Eagles, yet the Texans also have postseason ambitions.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints, Stade de France, Paris, France (Oct. 25)
A fascinating tie for the first-ever NFL game in France, held at the iconic Stade de France outside Paris. Many people think the Steelers’ season will be based around the last dance for the retiring Aaron Rodgers. Can he fire them to glory? The Saints will be keen to prove that they are not just there to make up the numbers.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons, Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain (Nov. 8)
Spain is proving to be an underrated and fertile market for the NFL. The soccer-mad country will open up the home of Real Madrid for the Bengals and Falcons, who will be keen to put on a show after the Dolphins ran out as winners in overtime after a scrappy game with the Commanders in 2025.
New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions, FC Bayern Munich Arena, Munich, Germany (Nov. 15)
A fantastic line-up for the passionate German NFL fans, with the Super Bowl runners-up, the Patriots, going up against a much-fancied Lions team. This one seems very difficult to call right now, but the season will be in full swing by November, so we will have an idea whether we are looking at two contenders by that point.
Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers, Estadio Banorte, Mexico City, Mexico (Nov. 22)
The 49ers’ second away day of the season, this time heading to Mexico City for a date with the Vikings. Mexico City is famously much higher above sea level than other major cities, so there is a decreased oxygen supply. It could impact player performances, and the victor will likely be the team that copes with it better.
