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NFL Eyes Japan Game, Expands 2026 International Schedule

7/18/2026

46 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Goodell Eyes Japan

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league wants a regular-season game in Japan.
The NFL plans nine international regular-season games in 2026, including a Sept. 10 matchup in Melbourne.
O'Reilly cited Japan, Italy and Africa as possible sites among the ten countries Goodell is considering.
The league aims for up to 16 games abroad, which would require NFL Players Association approval.

Summary

49ers Set Record

The San Francisco 49ers will set an NFL record by playing two separate international games in non-consecutive weeks (Australia in Week 1, Mexico City in Week 11).
The 49ers remain unbeaten abroad, holding a 3-0 record in International Series matchups since the series began in 2007.
Commissioner Goodell wants at least 16 international games per season, yet the collective bargaining agreement caps the league at 10 annually through 2030.

History

Historical Context

In October 2007 the NFL debuted its International Series, moving the New York Giants–Miami Dolphins regular-season game to London’s Wembley Stadium, the first such contest outside North America. Owners had approved up to two international games per season starting that year, a strategy Goodell pursued after NFL Europe folded. That breakthrough underpins today’s push, with the San Francisco 49ers slated for consecutive overseas games.

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Goodell Eyes Japan

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league wants a regular-season game in Japan.
The NFL plans nine international regular-season games in 2026, including a Sept. 10 matchup in Melbourne.
O'Reilly cited Japan, Italy and Africa as possible sites among the ten countries Goodell is considering.
The league aims for up to 16 games abroad, which would require NFL Players Association approval.

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