The National Football League has officially named the Atlanta Falcons as one of the teams competing in the 2026 NFL game in Madrid. This event will take place at the prestigious Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid C.F., marking a significant occasion in the NFL’s international expansion efforts.
The 2026 Madrid game will be part of a record-breaking schedule featuring nine international matches across four continents, seven countries, and eight venues. The NFL’s multi-year partnership with the City of Madrid and Comunidad de Madrid enables this iconic stadium to host an NFL regular-season matchup for the first time.
Building Momentum for the NFL’s Growth in Spain and Beyond
Rafa de los Santos, NFL Country Manager, emphasized the enthusiasm for the league in Spain, stating,
“The passion for the NFL in Spain is at an all‑time high, and welcoming the Atlanta Falcons to Madrid for a regular‑season game is a historic moment for our growing fanbase.”
He highlighted the excitement of playing in Madrid, describing it as
“one of the world’s great sporting capitals,”
and assured fans they will witness
“the intensity, speed, and talent that make the NFL unique.”
Greg Beadles, President and CEO of the Falcons, expressed pride in participating in the game at Bernabéu. He noted that the connection between Atlanta and Madrid is strengthened by the city’s hosting of FIFA World Cup group stage matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“This opportunity reflects the continued global growth of both the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons, and we look forward to deepening our connection with our European community,”
Beadles remarked. He also highlighted the organization’s eagerness to experience Spain’s culture and work alongside partners including Real Madrid C.F. and local authorities.
Details About the Game and Its Broader Implications
While the Falcons’ opponent and the exact date and kickoff time will be announced with the full 2026 NFL schedule this spring, planning and anticipation are already underway. Spain represents a vital market for the NFL, with an estimated 11 million fans nationwide. The league’s engagement in Spain extends beyond professional games through efforts to develop youth participation in NFL Flag, the official non-contact flag football program.
Launching in Spain in 2024, NFL Flag aims to introduce the sport to children across Madrid, Barcelona, and Zaragoza and expand further through collaboration with Federación Española de Fútbol Americano (FEFA). The program aligns with flag football’s debut as an Olympic sport at Los Angeles 2028, broadening its appeal and fostering grassroots growth.
Global Reach Highlighted by 2026 International Schedule
The 2026 NFL international games will encompass a wide array of global cities, including:
- London, U.K.: Two games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and one at Wembley Stadium
- Madrid, Spain: Bernabéu Stadium
- Melbourne, Australia*: Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Mexico City, Mexico: Estadio Banorte
- Munich, Germany: FC Bayern Munich Stadium
- Paris, France*: Stade de France
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil*: Maracanã Stadium
New markets designated with an asterisk demonstrate the NFL’s increasing ambition to tap into new regions and fanbases. Fans interested in updates can sign up for information specific to each market through official NFL channels.
Spain’s Growing History with NFL International Games
Spain has begun establishing itself as a key host country, recently welcoming a regular-season game in 2025 where the Washington Commanders narrowly lost to the Miami Dolphins 13-16 in overtime at the Bernabéu, with 78,610 attendees. This growing momentum is expected to continue with the Falcons’ involvement in 2026, boosting the league’s presence and fan engagement across Europe.
Anticipated Impact of the Falcons’ European Return
The Atlanta Falcons’ participation in the 2026 Madrid NFL game signifies an important step in the NFL’s commitment to international audiences and expanding the sport’s footprint in Europe. Returning to the continent for the fourth time in six seasons, the Falcons hope to strengthen bonds with European fans while positioning themselves as global ambassadors for American football.
This event not only highlights the NFL’s strategic partnerships and cultural outreach but also provides an electrifying platform for communities on both sides of the Atlantic to unite around shared sporting enthusiasm. The scheduled game at a world-class venue like Bernabéu promises a memorable experience that integrates high-level competition with rich local culture.
