The NFL is aggressively accelerating its global expansion strategy, with plans to host a record nine international regular season games by 2026. This ambitious push includes confirmed new markets like Australia and a return to Mexico City, alongside continued commitments in Brazil and the introduction of Spain in 2025, signaling a new era of global reach for American football.
The NFL is making a significant stride in its mission to globalize American football, reportedly aiming to stage the maximum allowed nine international regular season games by 2026. This move, reported by the Sports Business Journal, would mark the first time the league has reached this ceiling, underscoring its commitment to expanding its worldwide fan base.
A Look at the Expanding Global Footprint
The league’s international schedule has been steadily growing, fueled by a 2023 resolution that increased the number of league-operated international games from four to up to eight per season, starting in 2025. These eight league-organized contests are in addition to the traditional annual game hosted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, bringing the potential total to nine.
Gerrit Meier, NFL Senior VP/Managing Director International, has explicitly stated the league’s intent: “We do believe next year there will be more than that [seven games this season],” Meier said, referring to the 2026 season from the perspective of the October 2025 report. “Whether that leads to the maximum of eight league organized games or not, we will see, but the definite idea is to get ourselves more to the maximum.”
Confirmed and Potential Host Cities
The NFL’s global strategy is not just about increasing game numbers; it’s about diversifying locations and tapping into new markets. Several key locations have already been confirmed or heavily hinted at for the upcoming seasons:
- Australia (2026): Confirmed as a new host country, representing a significant venture into the Oceania market.
- Mexico City (2026): The league will return to Mexico City for the first time since 2022, solidifying its presence in Latin America.
- Brazil (2024, 2025, 2026): Following its debut in São Paulo in 2024 at the Corinthians Arena, Brazil is confirmed as a site for 2026, marking the finale of a three-year commitment for games in Rio de Janeiro.
- Spain (2025): Madrid is set to host its first-ever regular season game in 2025 at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid C.F., a landmark moment for European expansion. This was officially confirmed by the NFL’s official announcement in February 2024.
- United Kingdom (Ongoing): A long-standing international hub, the UK continues to host multiple games annually. In 2024, London hosted three games.
- Germany (Ongoing): Following successful games in Munich and Frankfurt, Germany will host a game for a third consecutive year in 2024 at the Allianz Arena.
- Ireland (Uncertain for 2026): While part of the 2025 schedule, its continued rotation in 2026 is uncertain, potentially opening a spot for another new market.
Connecting the Dots: The Global Markets Program
The expansion is deeply intertwined with the NFL’s Global Markets Program, an initiative that grants teams exclusive international marketing rights. This program empowers clubs to build brand awareness and cultivate fandom in specific markets outside the U.S. Currently, 21 teams participate in the program, holding rights across 14 markets.
For example, in Spain, the Miami Dolphins and the Chicago Bears hold international marketing rights, a strategic advantage as Madrid prepares to host its first game. This targeted approach allows the league to deepen its engagement in specific regions, paving the way for future game allocations.
The Fan Perspective: What Does This Mean for the Community?
For the global fan community, this aggressive expansion translates to more opportunities to experience live NFL action. The league has already played 50 regular season international games in its history, spanning cities like London, Munich, Frankfurt, Mexico City, and Toronto. The addition of new continents, with South America (Brazil) and potentially Oceania (Australia) becoming regular fixtures, truly makes the NFL a global spectacle.
While established markets like the UK and Germany continue to thrive, the exploration of new territories keeps the international game experience fresh and exciting. The uncertainty around Ireland’s future in the rotation, coupled with expressions of interest from countries like Saudi Arabia, hints at a dynamic and evolving landscape for future international games.
Fans eagerly anticipate which matchups will be selected for these coveted international slots, often leading to lively discussions and speculation within online communities. The growth signifies not just increased revenue for the league, but a burgeoning worldwide community united by their passion for the sport.
