Report: NFL hopes to add two international games for 2026
The NFL is hoping to add two more international games in 2026, league executives said Tuesday, via Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal.
www.nbcsports.comHere’s a concise update on NFL International Games for 2026.
Current status
- The NFL aims to push international games to nine in 2026, the most ever in a single season, with plans to approach the eight-league-operated games cap and potentially add one more in future years.[1][2][3][4]
Key announced host cities and matchups for 2026
- Melbourne, Australia: Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers (Week 1 expected).[4]
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Cowboys vs. opponent TBA (likely Week 3 per SBJ reporting).[4]
- Paris, France: New Orleans Saints vs. opponent TBA (likely Week 7 per French media).[4]
- Mexico City, Mexico: San Francisco 49ers vs. opponent TBA (Week 13 or 14).[3][4]
- London, United Kingdom: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. TBD at Wembley Stadium; Jaguars vs. TBD at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium; Washington Commanders vs. TBD at Tottenham (three separate London slots).[3][4]
- Munich, Germany: Detroit Lions vs. TBD; other European slots include Madrid (Spain) with Falcons vs. TBD.[3][4]
Notes and context
- These plans are subject to change as the league finalizes the full schedule and opponent pairings in May 2026, with ongoing discussions about market slots and potential new entrants like Ireland or other emerging markets.[2][1]
- The league envisions a long-term goal of 16 international games per season so every team would play abroad at least once, though that milestone remains a future objective and not yet realized.[1]
Illustration: a snapshot of the 2026 international slate includes three first-time host locations (Melbourne, Paris, Rio de Janeiro) alongside established markets (Mexico City, London, Munich) and a Madrid slot, indicating the league’s global expansion trend.[3][4]
If you’d like, I can assemble a compact table listing each confirmed city, the tentative week, and the teams announced so far, or track the latest official schedule announcements as they are released.
Citations
- NFL international games in 2026 plans and context.[1]
- Max nine international games in 2026 and related specifics.[2]
- 2026 international schedule specifics and teams/slots including London, Mexico City, Munich, Madrid.[4][3]