NFL Expands International Games to Seven Countries

Fans enjoying the excitement of an NFL international game.

News Summary

The NFL is expanding its international offerings with seven games scheduled across various countries. Notable additions include matchups in Ireland, Spain, and Germany. The season will start in Brazil with the Chiefs facing the Chargers, followed by historic games at Croke Park in Dublin and in Berlin. London will host several matches, solidifying its role as a key hub for international NFL events. The league aims to engage global audiences and plans for more games in future seasons.

New York City—The NFL is set to expand its international offerings in 2025, with a record seven games slated to take place in various countries, including the exciting addition of matchups in Ireland, Spain, and Germany. This initiative is part of the league’s ongoing effort to increase its global footprint and bring American football to audiences around the world.

The 2025 international games will kick off with a significant encounter on September 5, when the Kansas City Chiefs face the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil. This matchup highlights the NFL’s commitment to maintaining a presence in South America, where it has been slowly building its fanbase.

September also marks a historical moment for the league as the Pittsburgh Steelers will play the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland on September 28, making it the first regular-season NFL game hosted in the nation. This event is expected to attract significant interest not only from local fans but also from American visitors.

In addition to the match in Ireland, the Minnesota Vikings are set to appear again on October 5 when they take on the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, marking their second consecutive international game. London will also host two more matchups: the Denver Broncos against the New York Jets on October 12, and the Los Angeles Rams battling the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 19. These games continue to cultivate London’s status as a central hub for international NFL games.

Another notable event is scheduled for November 9, when the Indianapolis Colts will host the Atlanta Falcons at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany. This will be the first time an NFL regular-season game is played in Berlin, further expanding the league’s reach in Europe.

Finally, the NFL’s 2025 international schedule will conclude on November 16 with a matchup in Madrid, Spain, where the Washington Commanders will face the Miami Dolphins. This highly anticipated game will mark the first NFL game ever held in Spain, reflecting the league’s intent to engage with new markets and fan bases.

With plans to potentially host an international game every year for each of its teams in the near future, the NFL’s ambition to reach new audiences is clear. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has suggested that the league might implement this new structure. Additionally, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has previously expressed interest in expanding the number of international games from the current figure of 10 to as many as 16 each year, as part of upcoming collective bargaining agreements.

The international games in 2025 not only highlight the NFL’s growth strategy but also underline the increasing importance of cultivating global engagement in the sport. As the NFL continues to explore opportunities in various countries, it is setting the stage for a more inclusive and diverse fan experience.

Fans interested in attending the 2025 International Games will have the opportunity to purchase tickets this summer. The NFL encourages enthusiasts to sign up for ticket information through the league’s official site to ensure they don’t miss out on any opportunity to be part of these groundbreaking events.

As this ambitious schedule unfolds, the NFL aims to continue fostering connections with fans across the globe, making football a truly international sport.