The National Football League (NFL) has officially announced that the Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Commanders will be the featured teams for the 2026 NFL London games, sponsored by NetApp. Scheduled to take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the matches mark a continued effort to strengthen the league’s presence in the United Kingdom. These games are part of the NFL’s broad international expansion strategy and highlight the growing popularity of American football in London.
Jaguars’ Continued Commitment to UK Games and London Venues
As part of their ongoing multi-year agreement to play in the U.K., the Jacksonville Jaguars will also return to Wembley Stadium in 2026. This will be the third occasion they host consecutive games in the U.K. Since 2013, the Jaguars have been deeply involved in London games, having played 14 regular-season contests—11 at Wembley and three at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium—further cementing their role as a key NFL ambassador in the British market.
Additional Details on Opponents and Scheduling to Be Released
The opponents facing the Commanders and Jaguars, along with the exact dates and kickoff times, will be disclosed when the NFL releases the complete 2026 season schedule in the spring. Fans and analysts alike await these announcements to anticipate matchups and game-day specifics. These London games will be included among a record nine international NFL contests in 2026, spanning four continents, seven countries, and eight different stadiums worldwide.
London’s Vital Role in the NFL’s Global Expansion
The United Kingdom, home to over 17 million NFL supporters, has become central to the league’s global expansion efforts over nearly twenty years. More than three million fans have experienced regular season games in London since 2007, with these events generating an economic impact exceeding £2 billion. Up to now, 42 regular-season NFL games have been hosted in the U.K., solidifying London as an international football hub and a critical market for growing fandom.
NFL’s Broader International Footprint in 2026
The 2026 NFL international schedule expands significantly, including games in established and new markets. Besides two games in London, other locations include Madrid, Spain; Melbourne, Australia; Mexico City, Mexico; Munich, Germany; Paris, France; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This extensive global footprint demonstrates the NFL’s dedication to engaging diverse audiences and enriching its international fan base.
Perspectives from NFL Executives and Team Leaders on London Games
Henry Hodgson, NFL U.K. & Ireland general manager, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming games, stating,
“We look forward to welcoming the Commanders and Jaguars back to London as part of the 2026 NFL international games,”
and added,
“The NFL London games bring fans together from across the UK and beyond, and play a key role in engaging our existing fans as well as creating new audiences and driving NFL fandom in this market.”
Josh Harris, managing partner of the Washington Commanders, reflected on the significance of international games for the franchise:
“Last season’s trip to Madrid was personally unforgettable, and a tremendous milestone for our organization. Playing in the NFL’s first regular season game in Spain and experiencing the passion of fans was truly special and reaffirmed the power of and excitement for the Commanders and NFL globally. London is home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the world. We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring the Commanders and NFL football to this unique city. This trip represents another meaningful moment to engage new communities, strengthen relationships, and continue to enhance our fanbase in the UK and worldwide.”
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen commented on the importance of London for the team’s identity:
“Last season was my first experience in London as head coach of the Jaguars, and my immediate takeaway was London is undoubtedly our home away from home. We have a passionate and knowledgeable fan base in London, built over time and still growing, and we’re making a positive impact with fans throughout the United Kingdom as well. That’s something our entire organization, starting with our ownership, has worked very hard to achieve and takes great pride in further developing each season. With two games in London in 2026, it’s going to be great fun for our fans in London as well as for everyone in Jacksonville who will be making the trip. I’m definitely looking forward to it, and I know our players are happy to return as well.”
Marketing and Fan Engagement Initiatives in the United Kingdom
The Jacksonville Jaguars hold exclusive marketing rights in the U.K. through the NFL’s Global Markets Program, a league initiative that assigns teams international rights to build brand awareness beyond the United States. These rights enable clubs to engage fans with events, promotional activities, and commercial ventures tailored for the UK audience. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders have participated in two international regular-season games to date, one in London in 2016 and another in Madrid in 2025, broadening their global footprint.
Significance of London Games for Fans and NFL’s Future
The continuation of NFL games in London highlights the city’s important role as a global football destination and the league’s commitment to international growth. For fans, these contests offer high-caliber American football experiences close to home, while for players and organizations, London represents an opportunity to connect with a deeply passionate audience. Given the increasing number of international matchups in 2026, including games in various continents, these events signal the NFL’s expanding ambitions and the potential for even greater global influence in the years ahead.
