The NFL may have been built in the United States, but its ambitions stretch far beyond American borders.
Commissioner Roger Goodell has made one thing clear: the league’s future is global. What began decades ago as a handful of overseas exhibitions has evolved into a full international slate that now stretches across multiple continents. And in 2026, that global expansion will accelerate again.
“In today’s world, we have to be global,” Goodell said last year. “Every time we play an international game, fans say they want more. I truly believe our game can and will be global. Our job is to share our game with the rest of the world.”
The league has already staged regular-season games across Europe and South America. Asia remains on the horizon as a potential next frontier. For now, the 2026 calendar is beginning to take shape — and eight teams are already confirmed to take the NFL abroad.
The 8 Teams Playing Internationally in 2026
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Washington Commanders
- Atlanta Falcons
- San Francisco 49ers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Detroit Lions
- New Orleans Saints
- Dallas Cowboys
While the NFL has not yet released the complete 2026 regular-season schedule, these franchises are officially set to appear in international matchups.
Paris Makes NFL History
The New Orleans Saints will headline one of the league’s most historic international moments. In 2026, they will participate in the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Paris.
The game will be played at Stade de France — France’s largest stadium and one of Europe’s most iconic multi-purpose venues. Built in 1998, the stadium has hosted the FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, European Championship finals, and served as a centerpiece venue during the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It has also welcomed global music superstars such as U2, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, AC/DC, Paul McCartney, and The Rolling Stones — and now it will add NFL history to its résumé.
Cowboys to Brazil, 49ers to Mexico, Lions to Germany
The Dallas Cowboys are set to play in Brazil, continuing the league’s push into South America. The San Francisco 49ers will return to Mexico, while the Detroit Lions are headed to Germany — part of the NFL’s growing footprint in Europe.
Germany has quickly become one of the league’s strongest emerging international markets, while Mexico remains a proven host for high-energy NFL matchups.
The Jaguars, Commanders, Falcons, Rams and others will round out the international slate as the NFL continues building annual overseas rivalries and expanding fan bases across continents.
The Bigger Picture
International games are no longer novelty events. They’re central to the NFL’s long-term strategy. Global broadcasting rights, merchandise sales, youth participation programs, and international sponsorships all factor into the league’s global push.
Each season now features multiple overseas matchups, and fan demand abroad has proven strong enough to justify sustained expansion.
With eight teams already confirmed — and the full schedule still to come — the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the NFL’s most globally ambitious campaigns yet.
The only question left: which international matchup will deliver the biggest stage moment next year?
