The NFL continues to broaden its international presence by announcing that eight teams will participate in games held outside the United States during the 2026 season. With matches scheduled in global cities such as Paris and Rio de Janeiro, the league aims to engage a growing worldwide audience and elevate the sport’s profile on an international scale.
Commissioner Roger Goodell Emphasizes Global Vision
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been a strong advocate for expanding the league’s international footprint. Reporting a significant increase from occasional international matches in the past to regular weekly games abroad, Goodell sees this growth as essential for the future of football.
In today’s world, we have to be global,
Goodell stated in 2025.
Every time we play an international game, fans say they want more. I really, truly believe our game can and will be global. Our job is to share our game with the rest of the world.
Goodell also highlighted the NFL’s ambitions beyond Europe and South America, acknowledging Asia as a potential next destination for international games.
We are serious about being a global sport,
he added, underlining the league’s commitment to expanding its reach.
Confirmed Teams and Locations for International Matches
Though the full weekly schedule for the 2026 season has yet to be finalized, the NFL has confirmed eight teams for its international games that year. These teams include the Jaguars, Commanders, Falcons, 49ers, Rams, Lions, Saints, and Cowboys.
The New Orleans Saints will make history by playing the NFL’s first regular-season game in Paris. This landmark game is set to take place at the Stade de France, a renowned venue in the French capital.
The 2026 NFL Paris Game will take place at the Stade de France in partnership with GL events. The Stade de France, built in 1998, is the country’s largest stadium. A multi-purpose venue, it hosts major international sports and entertainment events and is home to the French national soccer and rugby teams. It is the only stadium to have hosted a FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, UEFA Champions League Finals and UEFA European Championship Finals and played a starring role in the 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games in Paris. In addition to its sporting heritage, the venue has welcomed global music icons, including U2, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, AC/DC, Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones,
the Saints announced.
Alongside the Saints’ Paris game, the Dallas Cowboys will play in Brazil, the San Francisco 49ers are scheduled to compete in Mexico, and the Detroit Lions will take part in a game in Germany. These selections reflect the NFL’s strategic focus on diverse international markets for 2026.
Growing Significance of NFL International Games
The expansion of NFL international games in 2026 marks a crucial step in the league’s broader strategy to globalize American football. By staging regular-season games across multiple continents, the NFL not only broadens its fan base but also strengthens its position as an internationally recognized sport. With engagement in key cities worldwide and partnerships with prestigious venues like Stade de France, the NFL is paving the way for a future where international games become a central part of the season.
Fans and observers eagerly await the release of the full 2026 schedule to see how these international matchups will shape the upcoming NFL season and influence the sport’s global development.
