The NFL is hitting the gas on its global footprint, scheduling a record nine international games for the 2026 season and already looking at even more locations for future seasons. This isn’t just about a few games; the league is exploring massive new frontiers, and it’s going to change how teams approach their calendars for years to come.
From Down Under to the Eternal City: Where the League Is Headed
This year’s international slate already kicked off with the Los Angeles Rams facing the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. The schedule continues Sunday with the Pittsburgh Steelers taking on the New Orleans Saints in Paris, France. Other cities hosting games in 2026 include Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), London (U.K.), Madrid (Spain), Munich (Germany), and Mexico City (Mexico). That’s a serious travel log right there!
But wait, there’s more. The league isn’t just content with these established spots and new additions. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that Tokyo is a “potential date” for a game as early as 2028. And get this: teams are keen on Italy being next, but that might have to wait until new stadiums open in Milan by 2030 and Rome by 2031, timing perfectly for the 2032 Euros. NFL’s Peter O’Reilly even tossed out the idea of playing in new cities within countries the league has already visited, like Manchester in the U.K., Barcelona in Spain (where a stadium is already under renovation), or Sydney in Australia. The world is truly becoming the NFL’s oyster.
Travel Trouble and What It Means for the Teams
All this globe-trotting isn’t without its kinks. Remember the Rams’ travel plans to Australia? They generated serious buzz when the team arrived shortly before the game and ended up losing to the 49ers. That’s a tough adjustment. We’ve also seen the Jacksonville Jaguars play back-to-back games in London, splitting them with a win against the Philadelphia Eagles and a loss to the Houston Texans. It’s clear that while the international games are awesome for fans, they add a whole new layer of complexity for team logistics and player performance.
The NFL isn’t slowing down on this front, though. Before the 2026 campaign, there had already been 62 regular-season games played outside of the United States. That number is going to keep climbing, big time. It means more chances for fans in more countries to see their favorite teams live, but it also means our teams will have to master the art of the jet lag if they want to stay competitive.
The Steelers and Saints are up next in Paris on Sunday, keeping this global trek alive. With 62 regular-season games already played outside the US before this year, and that number only climbing, get ready for the NFL to keep pushing the boundaries. Tokyo in 2028 and Italy in the 2030s are just the start, folks. The world is the NFL’s oyster, and our teams are getting their passports ready.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
Leave a Reply