2026 NFL International Games Schedule
The NFL International Games 2026 schedule is officially the largest global expansion in league history. With a record-breaking nine matchups spanning four continents, traveling fans need a rock-solid game plan.
Whether you are booking flights to Melbourne or coordinating your morning tailgates for London, this breakdown delivers the facts.
Expect the official dates, venues, broadcast networks, and team matchups for the entire NFL International Games 2026 series. Read on to lock in your viewing schedule and travel itinerary before tickets vanish.
NFL International Games 2026 Schedule
The league’s long-term commitment to global growth is undeniable this season. This year’s slate pushes the logistical boundaries of time zones and athletic endurance to unprecedented levels.
For full press details on the league’s global strategy, read how the NFL unveils 2026 International Games schedule. Below is the definitive cheat sheet for every overseas kickoff.
| Location | Date | Time (ET) | Matchup | Stadium |
| Melbourne, Australia | Sept 10 | 8:35 PM | 49ers vs. Rams | Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Sept 27 | 4:25 PM | Ravens vs. Cowboys | Maracanã Stadium |
| London, England | Oct 4 | 9:30 AM | Colts vs. Commanders | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium |
| London, England | Oct 11 | 9:30 AM | Eagles vs. Jaguars | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium |
| London, England | Oct 18 | 9:30 AM | Texans vs. Jaguars | Wembley Stadium |
| Paris, France | Oct 25 | 9:30 AM | Steelers vs. Saints | Stade de France |
| Madrid, Spain | Nov 8 | 9:30 AM | Bengals vs. Falcons | Bernabéu Stadium |
| Munich, Germany | Nov 15 | 9:30 AM | Patriots vs. Lions | FC Bayern Munich Stadium |
| Mexico City, Mexico | Nov 22 | 8:20 PM | Vikings vs. 49ers | Estadio Banorte |
Detailed Matchup Breakdown
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams (Melbourne)
Week 1 kicks off with one of the fiercest NFC West rivalries. Brock Purdy and Matthew Stafford will battle in the NFL’s first-ever game in Australia. Both teams are looking to establish early dominance in a highly competitive division.
Due to the massive time difference, a 10:35 AM Friday local kickoff translates to prime time Thursday night in the US. The league specifically scheduled this game early to allow both rosters ample time to recover from the jet lag.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys (Rio de Janeiro)
Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro will host nearly 79,000 roaring fans for a colossal Week 3 interconference showdown. The NFL’s first game in Rio brings unparalleled energy to a football-crazed nation.
Dak Prescott and Lamar Jackson are two of the premier quarterbacks in the league, yet they rarely cross paths. This late-afternoon broadcast will be a massive ratings draw for US audiences streaming on Paramount+ and CBS.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders (London)
London’s NFL slate begins Week 4 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Two potential playoff contenders look to establish early momentum on foreign soil after shaking off the rust of previous seasons.
The Commanders’ defense will face a tough test against a gritty Colts roster. Indianapolis recently locked in crucial offensive extensions and is eager to prove their stability on a global stage.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (London)
The Eagles pack their bags for London in Week 5. Philadelphia currently boasts a pristine, undefeated record in games played outside the United States and aims to keep that streak alive.
No franchise is more familiar with the UK than Jacksonville. This marks the Jaguars’ extensive return to London, giving them a distinct logistical and environmental edge over their NFC East opponents.
Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (London)
Staying in the UK, Jacksonville shifts over to Wembley Stadium for Week 6. They will face their fierce AFC South rivals, the Houston Texans, in back-to-back London appearances.
C.J. Stroud commands the Texans’ offense, backed by a historically suffocating defense. Expect a gritty, hard-hitting divisional battle in front of a highly educated British football crowd.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints (Paris)
The NFL finally touches down in France during Week 7. The legendary Stade de France will host a fascinating, high-stakes clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints.
Both franchises hold mixed historical records overseas. This game presents a critical mid-season measuring stick for two proud organizations currently navigating significant roster and coaching transitions.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons (Madrid)
Week 9 brings American football to the architectural marvel of Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. Joe Burrow’s high-octane passing attack looks to shred defenses and bounce back from recent divisional struggles.
Atlanta’s completely revamped offensive unit will aggressively test the Bengals’ secondary. The Falcons hope to leverage their past European experience to secure a vital interconference victory.
New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions (Munich)
Allianz Arena in Munich receives a premium Week 10 matchup. Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions will collide with a highly resurgent New England Patriots squad on German soil.
The Patriots recently proved they can rapidly rebuild into legitimate contenders. Meanwhile, Detroit is desperate to recapture their lost offensive magic and reassert their dominance in the NFC North.
Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers (Mexico City)
The 2026 international schedule concludes under the Sunday night lights of Estadio Banorte. San Francisco makes history as the first franchise to play multiple non-consecutive international games in a single season.
Minnesota boasts an impressive 5-1 historical record overseas. The staggering high altitude of Mexico City will heavily test the physical endurance and depth of both playoff-hungry rosters.
History of NFL Regular-Season Games Outside the United States
The first NFL regular-season game played outside the United States took place on October 2, 2005. The Arizona Cardinals defeated the San Francisco 49ers at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City in front of a record-breaking crowd.
Since that historic milestone, the league has aggressively expanded its global footprint. Previous international host cities for regular-season games include London, Munich, Frankfurt, São Paulo, and Mexico City. The 2026 season marks the first regular-season games in Melbourne, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro.
According to the official NFL announcement, this expanding slate highlights the ongoing commitment to bringing live football to fans globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NFL teams are playing in the 2026 International Games?
The 2026 series features 16 different franchises taking the field globally. The participating teams are the Falcons, Ravens, Bengals, Cowboys, Lions, Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Rams, Vikings, Patriots, Saints, Eagles, Steelers, 49ers, and Commanders. This marks one of the most diverse international team lineups in league history.
Which global cities are hosting NFL games in 2026?
Seven distinct international cities will host regular-season matchups this year. The host locations include Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Madrid, Munich, and Mexico City. London remains the busiest hub, hosting three separate games across two different stadiums.
How many international NFL games are there in 2026?
The NFL is executing a record-breaking nine international games during the 2026 regular season. These matchups run from September 10 through November 22. This massive expansion reflects the league’s aggressive commitment to cementing American football as a premier global sport.
Where can I find the broadcast channels for these global matchups?
Every international game will be broadcast nationally in the United States, utilizing networks like NFL Network, CBS, FOX, NBC, and Netflix. To track exact channel assignments and network shifts throughout the season, check the complete NFL TV schedule. Setting your DVR early ensures you never miss a morning kickoff.
What other international cities have hosted NFL games previously?
Before expanding to new markets like Melbourne and Paris, the league established strong footprints in several other international territories. Historically, regular-season games have also been played in Berlin, Dublin, Frankfurt, São Paulo, and Toronto.
Where was the first NFL International Game played?
Mexico City hosted the first-ever regular-season NFL game played outside of the United States. That historic matchup took place on October 2, 2005, when the Arizona Cardinals faced the San Francisco 49ers at Estadio Azteca.
Editorial Disclaimer: The scheduling, broadcasting networks, and venue information detailed above are based on official NFL releases for the 2026 season. Game times and television alignments remain subject to change by the league without prior notice.
