NFL 2026: The Regular Season Games in Europe this Season

It is abundantly clear that the NFL has plans to grow its global footprint. Indeed, the NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, recently opined that the league could expand to welcome international franchises into the fold. Canada and Mexico are logical and logistical choices for such an expansion, but it’s also clear that the league views Europe as its most coveted market. 

Talk of franchise expansion is somewhat speculative right now, and it is something that may happen years from now, if at all. Yet, for now, the NFL is still coming to Europe, as no fewer than six regular-season games will be held here in the coming weeks. It’s an essential part of the NFL’s global strategy. Here’s a look at what to expect:

A First Game in France

The Stade de France in Paris will host France’s first-ever NFL game on the 25th of October. The matchup will feature the New Oreland Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers. It feels like a marquee game, even if the Week 1 football odds suggest a tough season is in store for both teams. The Saints have a keen interest in France, holding specific media rights with respect to the NFL’s system of territories, so it will be interesting to see if the Saints intend to make this a regular date. On the Steelers side, France’s NFL fans will get to see one of the modern greats, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, in his final season in the NFL. 

Returning to Spain 

The first Spain-hosted NFL game took place at the iconic Bernabéu in Madrid last year. It was a notable success, with over 78,000 fans packing into the legendary home of Real Madrid to see the Miami Dolphins beat the Washington Commanders in overtime. This time around, it is the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons taking to the Spanish capital on the 8th of November. The Falcons are in transition, so the Bengals – an outside chance for the Super Bowl – will be backed to take the win. 

A Blockbuster in Munich 

Outside of the UK, Germany has been the most frequent host for the NFL. It tends to alternate between major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich. The latter is the host for this year’s game, which is a mouth-watering tie between the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions. Both teams have genuine hopes for the Playoffs, with the Patriots hoping to go one better after losing Super Bowl LX to the Seattle Seahawks in February. It looks a difficult game to call, but it could be a cracker. 

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London Calling as the NFL Permanent Home

It is now as much an annual tradition as The Kick-Off Game and Thanksgiving Games to see the NFL rock up to the UK capital in October. As is now the custom, London will host multiple games; three, in fact. Two games – Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders (4th of October), Philadelphia Eagles vs Jacksonville Jaguars (11th of October) – are taking place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, whereas the last game of the three – Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (18th of October) – will take place at Wembley Stadium. The Jaguars now play in London every season, which led to rumors that the team would one day set up permanent camp there. Nevertheless, it’s clear that London is the 51st state in NFL terms. No city outside the US has hosted more NFL games.