The NFL will continue its push into international markets in 2026, highlighted by a return to Madrid and the league’s first regular-season game in Paris. The league announced Monday it has secured a multi-year agreement to stage future games at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, while also confirming that France will host an NFL regular-season matchup for the first time.
Madrid will again welcome the league in 2026 following the NFL’s debut in Spain last November, when the Miami Dolphins edged the Washington Commanders in overtime before a sellout crowd of more than 78,000 fans. That game marked a milestone for the league’s growth in Spain, which the NFL estimates is home to roughly 11 million fans.
NFL Spain country manager Rafa De Los Santos said in a statement: “The 2025 NFL Madrid game at the Bernabeu was a pivotal moment for the sport in Spain, and we are delighted to confirm that we will return to play a regular-season game in 2026 in a multi-year partnership with the city of Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid and Real Madrid C.F. This multi-year commitment to playing games in Madrid — a world-class global cultural and sporting destination — underlines our commitment to the market and enables us to continue to engage fans year-round and invest long-term in initiatives like NFL Flag and youth participation nationwide.”
Emilio Butragueño, Real Madrid’s director of institutional relations, said in a statement: “It is an honor and a privilege for Real Madrid to host the NFL once again at the Bernabeu stadium. We experienced a historic first NFL Madrid game a few months ago, and this new agreement will allow the alliance between our club, the community of Madrid, the city Council and the NFL to continue, strengthening the image of our capital and the Spanish brand around the world. The transformation of the Bernabeu stadium is a major boost for sport to continue to be a unifying force for millions of fans across all continents.”
The Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, and Chicago Bears currently hold NFL marketing rights in Spain under the league’s Global Markets Program, which focuses on growing fandom through events and grassroots initiatives. The NFL launched its youth flag football program in Spain in 2024 as part of that effort.
Along with Spain, the NFL confirmed it will stage a regular-season game in Paris in 2026, marking the league’s first appearance in France. The New Orleans Saints will serve as the home team at Stade de France, a venue that seats more than 80,000 fans. Their opponent will be announced when the full 2026 schedule is released later this spring.
Saints owner Gayle Benson said in a press release: “We are excited to be selected to play in the first regular-season game to take place in France. This moment is special not only because of the strong cultural connection between Louisiana and France, but also because we will compete before a growing Saints fan base in Paris.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell added: “Bringing a regular season game to Paris in 2026 marks an exciting next step in the continued expansion of the league’s global footprint. Paris is one of the world’s greatest sporting and cultural cities with tremendous success in hosting global events that unite fans on the biggest stages. Playing our first-ever regular season game at the impressive Stade de France, together with the New Orleans Saints, underlines our continued global growth ambitions and we look forward to bringing the NFL to our passionate fans in France.”
The Madrid and Paris games are part of a broader international slate planned for 2026, which also includes contests in Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Munich, and London. The Los Angeles Rams have already been confirmed for the Melbourne game, with additional matchups and dates to be announced. If finalized as planned, the 2026 season would feature the most international regular-season games in NFL history.
Editorial credit: Raffa Ella / Shutterstock.com
