NFL Expands International Presence with Nine Games Outside the US
The National Football League (NFL) has announced that it will host nine regular-season games outside of the United States in the upcoming 2026 season, an increase from this year’s total. This expansion aims to further establish the sport in new markets.
Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, and Madrid Selected as Host Cities
Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, and Madrid have been chosen to organize NFL games for the 2026 season, according to a statement released by the NFL. The announcement comes after the league’s growing interest in expanding its global footprint.
Brazil’s Growing NFL Fanbase
With a population of over 200 million people, Brazil has a massive market and an estimated 36 million NFL fans. This places Brazil as the second-largest market for NFL followers outside of the United States, just behind Mexico with 48 million fans.
Mexico City’s Return to Hosting NFL Games
The Estadio Banorte in Mexico City, home to Club América, will host one of the international games. Arturo Olivé, NFL Mexico’s General Manager, expressed his excitement about bringing regular-season NFL games back to Mexico City, emphasizing the league’s strong connection with fans across the country.
Madrid Continues its NFL Hosting Streak
Madrid, which hosted its first NFL game in November 2022 at the renovated Santiago Bernabéu stadium, will also play host again next year. Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, highlighted Madrid’s status as a major sports and cultural capital known for successfully hosting international events.
New Host Cities for NFL Games
In addition to Mexico City and Madrid, Paris’s Stade de France will host its first-ever NFL game. The league will also expand to Oceania with a match in Melbourne. Three games will take place in London, one of the NFL’s primary international markets, and another in Munich.
NFL’s Continued Global Growth
Since the NFL began hosting games outside the United States, 62 international contests have been played. This demonstrates the league’s ongoing commitment to global expansion, according to Roger Goodell.
Key Questions and Answers
- What cities have been selected to host NFL games in 2026? Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, and Madrid have been chosen as host cities for NFL games in the 2026 season.
- Why is the NFL expanding its international presence? The NFL aims to establish the sport further in new markets and demonstrate its ongoing commitment to global growth.
- Which countries have significant NFL fanbases outside the US? Brazil and Mexico are among the countries with substantial NFL fanbases, estimated at 36 million and 48 million respectively.
- What other cities will host NFL games in 2026 besides Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, and Madrid? Paris, London (twice), Berlin, and Munich will also host NFL games in 2026.
