The NFL has officially unveiled its most ambitious international slate yet for the 2026 season, featuring eight international regular-season games across five cities and four countries. The announcement, first reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, marks a major milestone in the league’s global expansion strategy.
Full NFL 2026 International Games Schedule
- Munich, Germany (Allianz Arena – Home of FC Bayern Munich)
– Two games in 2026 (first time Munich hosts a double-header)
– Partnership with FC Bayern Munich continues after the sold-out 2022 and 2024 events - Melbourne, Australia (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
– First-ever NFL regular-season game in Australia
– Los Angeles Rams will serve as the home team
– Historic debut in the Southern Hemisphere - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Maracanã Stadium)
– First-ever NFL game in South America
– One regular-season game scheduled at the iconic Maracanã - London, England (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
– Two games return to Tottenham’s state-of-the-art venue
– Continues London’s streak as the NFL’s longest-running international host (first game in 2007)
Why 2026 Is a Landmark Year for the NFL International Series
The 2026 schedule represents the largest single-season international commitment in NFL history. Key highlights include:
- Munich becomes a two-game market – After the 2022 Munich game generated an estimated €70 million economic impact and sold out in minutes, the NFL and FC Bayern Munich are doubling down on Germany.
- Australia finally gets its game – The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which holds over 100,000 fans, will host the Rams in what is expected to be one of the most attended NFL games ever.
- South American debut in Rio – The Maracanã, one of the world’s most famous stadiums, will bring NFL football to Brazil for the first time.
- London remains the anchor – With Tottenham Hotspur Stadium purpose-built for NFL games, London continues its role as the league’s European home.
NFL Global Expansion Strategy in 2026 and BeyondThe league now plays regular-season games in five countries (US, UK, Germany, Mexico, and soon Brazil and Australia). NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly stated the goal of growing the international fanbase beyond its current 200+ million fans outside the United States.Previous international games have proven massively successful:
- Average attendance in London: over 80,000 per game
- Munich 2022: Sold out in minutes, €70 million economic boost
- Mexico City & Frankfurt consistently rank among the highest-attended games globally
Which Teams Are Playing Where in 2026?While exact opponents and dates will be announced with the full 2026 NFL schedule (typically in May), the following host designations are confirmed:
- Los Angeles Rams – Melbourne, Australia
- Two TBD teams – Munich, Germany
- One TBD team – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Two TBD teams – London, England (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
What This Means for NFL Fans Worldwide
- European fans get four games across Germany and England
- Australian and South American fans finally see regular-season NFL action on home soil
- Travel packages and ticket information for all markets expected to be released in 2025–2026
Final Thoughts
The 2026 international slate cements the NFL’s position as the most globally ambitious American sports league. From the passion of German fans at Allianz Arena to the historic firsts in Melbourne and Rio, the league is bringing American football to new continents and new generations.
Stay tuned for official opponent announcements, game dates, and ticket on-sale information as the NFL continues its march toward a truly global footprint.