The National Football League is doubling down on its global ambitions with a growing slate of international games. The league is returning to Madrid for a regular-season game in 202. The matchup will be played at Real Madrid’s iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium as part of a multiyear commitment, signaling that Spain is now a long-term stop on the league’s international tour.
Madrid won’t be alone, the 2026 international slate includes games in Munich, Rio de Janeiro, Melbourne, and three more in London. These are just the confirmed locations, as more matchups are expected to be announced once the full schedule rolls out.
62 regular-season NFL games have been played internationally, and the latest expansion is part of its broader push into Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region. International games are where the NFL has been most willing to experiment with streaming.
In recent seasons, the league has shown it’s comfortable moving big international matchups off traditional TV and onto digital platforms. Sometimes these games stream exclusively, and sometimes even for free.
Notable examples:
- The NFL partnered with YouTube and YouTube TV to stream an international game globally at no cost, making it one of the most accessible NFL broadcasts ever.
- Peacock has carried exclusive NFL international games, including the league’s first Brazil matchup tied to opening weekend.
- Amazon, ESPN, and other media partners continue to expand their streaming reach as the NFL looks for a younger and global audience
The news comes shortly after it was announced that the NFL now officially owns a stake in ESPN. The major shift in the media landscape could affect future broadcast and streaming decisions. ESPN Unlimited could bolster its NFL lineup with more content, including tackling additional international games.
The multi-year agreement with a return to Madrid highlights the NFL’s 2026 international slate. With new stops in Germany, Brazil, Australia, and the U.K. shows how serious the league is about going global. For fans, that means more games in iconic venues and more unique kickoff times. Though the broadcast homes for these games have yet to be announced, for cord cutters, it could mean adding more streamers to their lineup.