Show summary Hide summary
- NFL’s 2025 international calendar: the cities and matchups to know
- Why Dublin matters — and what first-time hosts get from an NFL game
- Stadiums, venues and the London advantage
- Looking ahead: Australia, Brazil and potential new markets
- How many international games can the NFL add?
- What overseas trips mean for players, teams and fans
- Business, exposure and the long game for the NFL
If you follow the NFL closely — or plan vacations around away games — now is a good time to make sure your passport is current. The league’s international footprint keeps widening, and the 2025 schedule makes clear that the NFL is treating the whole planet as potential turf.
This season alone sends teams and fans to continents and cities that used to be a novelty for American football. From Dublin’s first regular-season matchup to multiple London dates and debut games in Berlin and Madrid, the NFL is turning overseas stops into a regular part of the calendar. Players welcome the chance to play abroad, even if the travel timeline leaves little room for sightseeing.
NFL’s 2025 international calendar: the cities and matchups to know
The Growing Demand for Data-Driven Decision Making in Silicon Valley
He quit, ran out of money, and begged to come back — here’s how his boss reacted
- Week 1 — São Paulo, Brazil: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Week 4 — Dublin, Ireland: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings (NFL’s first regular-season game in Ireland)
- Week 5 — London, U.K.: Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
- Week 6 — London, U.K.: Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
- Week 7 — London, U.K.: Los Angeles Rams vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Wembley Stadium)
- Week 10 — Berlin, Germany: Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts (first-ever regular-season game in Berlin)
- Week 11 — Madrid, Spain: Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins (first regular-season game in Spain)
Why Dublin matters — and what first-time hosts get from an NFL game
When the Steelers and Vikings take the field in Dublin, it’s more than a single contest — it’s a test run for the NFL’s growth in Ireland. Hosting a regular-season matchup introduces the league to local fans in a way TV broadcasts cannot. For many attendees, it’ll be their first chance to experience the pageantry, noise and on-field action that define NFL gameday.
First-time host cities often serve as pilots — their success can lead to repeat games, new fan partnerships and commercial opportunities. Dublin, Berlin and Madrid join the list of cities that could regularly appear on future schedules if demand, logistics and stadium readiness align.
Stadiums, venues and the London advantage
London remains the NFL’s busiest European hub, with two games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and one at Wembley on the 2025 slate. Those venues have proven to be reliable partners, drawing large crowds and sponsorship. For the league, London is a model of how repeat visits build a stable international market.
Why some cities return — and some wait for a second shot
- Established fan interest and successful ticket sales encourage returns.
- Stadium availability and infrastructure determine viability.
- Local commercial deals — from broadcasters to sponsors — influence long-term commitments.
Looking ahead: Australia, Brazil and potential new markets
The NFL has already confirmed it will stage its first regular-season game in Australia in 2026 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the Los Angeles Rams slated to play an opponent that has not been announced yet. Brazil will see another appearance as part of a multi-year agreement to host at least three games in Rio de Janeiro over five seasons.
Long-term possibilities stretch even further: Mexico City could reemerge if stadium renovations wrap up, and the league has hinted at a ceiling of international matchups it might stage annually. Beyond Europe and South America, executives and fans often speculate about future stops in Africa, Asia and other Australian cities.
How many international games can the NFL add?
Reports indicate the league could schedule up to eight regular-season games at international venues next season. That cap balances global ambitions with the practical demands of travel, player welfare and competitive balance.
Expanding beyond that requires careful planning: teams need time zones that won’t ruin preparation, broadcasters require coherent slots for U.S. audiences, and local partners must be ready to host an event on short notice. Even with the logistical hurdles, the NFL appears committed to testing new markets each year.
What overseas trips mean for players, teams and fans
Long travel and compressed schedules can be disruptive to players who prefer consistent routines and familiar hotels. Teams try to minimize the impact — but game weeks in foreign countries usually mean shorter sightseeing windows and altered practice plans. Still, many players welcome the chance to compete in front of new audiences and see new places, even if leisure time is limited.
For fans, international games are a rare opportunity to combine travel with live sports experiences. If you’re planning to attend, consider these tips:
- Check passport expiration dates well in advance.
- Book a few extra days if you want to explore the host city.
- Monitor stadium entry rules and local health advisories.
Business, exposure and the long game for the NFL
International contests are about more than exhibitions; they are part of a strategic push to grow the NFL’s global footprint. By delivering consistent product quality overseas and building local partnerships, the league aims to convert casual viewers into ticket-buying, merchandise-spending fans.
That strategy is already reshaping schedules — and shifting how fans plan their seasons. If the NFL keeps expanding internationally, following the league will increasingly include passport checks, flight bookings and cross-continental itineraries instead of just tailgate plans and local travel.
You might also like:
- Condo inside stadium: woman who never watched football loves new home with epic view
- NBA schedule: simple fix preserves revenue
- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Verizon lets fans watch from the pitch
- DK Metcalf suspension could derail Steelers’ AFC North title run
- MLB opening day 2026: rule changes risk undermining a crucial season
John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.
Man, those NFL international games, theyre like a box of chocolates – you never know what youre gonna get! Boosting revenue, but the action on the field sometimes leaves us scratching our heads. Its a wild ride, thats for sure!
Man, these international NFL games give me mixed feelings. Revenue up, but play quality down. Hope theyll find the right balance soon. Cant deny the buzz, though!
Man, those NFL international games need some spice! More sizzle, less fizzle, you know? Were craving epic showdowns, not just a cash grab. Give us matchups that make us cancel plans, not just hit the snooze button. Lets up the game, NFL!
Man, those NFL international games? Theyre like a box of chocolates, you never know what youre gonna get. Revenues up, but the fields a whole different story. Its like a rollercoaster ride, but with shoulder pads and touchdowns.
Oh, man, those NFL international games? Its like a wild ride, innit? Youre spot on, mate! Like a rollercoaster, except with burly blokes chasing a pigskin. Wicked analogy! Its a whole different game on those fields, aint it? Who knows whats next – maybe next time theyll play on the moon! Cheers to the unexpected, mate!
Man, these NFL international games make bank, but the play sometimes lacks that oomph, ya know? Gotta hand it to Dublin though, they bring the craic! Wonder which citys getting the next touchdown.
Man, these NFL international games, always stirring up a mix of excitement and disappointment. The revenue boost is sweet, but can we talk about the on-field action? Some matchups feel like a snoozefest, am I right?
Man, those NFL international games can be hit or miss. Revenues up, but the on-field action? Meh. Hope they step up their game in 2025, or its just a fancy vacation for the players.
Man, those NFL international games bring in the cash, but the action on the field? Meh. Feels like a money grab sometimes. If Im waking up early to watch, I want some real showdowns, not just a show!
Man, these international NFL games got me feeling some type of way. Revenues up, but the gameplays a rollercoaster. Gotta admit, watching teams battle it out in new cities does add some spice to the mix, though.
Man, those NFL international games, theyre like a box of chocolates, ya never know what youre gonna get! Boostin revenue but leavin fans disappointed on the field. Whats next, NFL in space? Sign me up!
Man, these international games always bring the hype, but sometimes the action on the field feels like a letdown. Gotta admit, though, seeing NFL games in different cities does add some spice to the season!
Man, I remember watching those NFL international games, hoping for some crazy action. But lately, its like the teams are sleepwalking through em. Come on, give us some Sunday night magic, not just a snooze-fest on foreign turf!
I feel ya, mate! Those international games used to have us on the edge of our seats, craving some epic plays and crazy moments. Now it’s like watching a snail race – slow and snooze-worthy. Come on, NFL, give us some Sunday night razzle-dazzle, not a yawn-inducing show on foreign soil! Lets inject some life back into those games and make em worth staying up for!
Man, those NFL international games, theyre like a box of chocolates, ya never know what youre gonna get. Some matchups are fire, others… not so much. But hey, revenues poppin, so let the games roll on!