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NFL Approves 2026 International Games, Including Nine Matches Abroad

8/20/2026

50 12 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that NFL teams will be established outside the United States.
The 2026 season will feature a record nine international regular-season games.
Week 1 opens with the 49ers hosting the Rams in Melbourne on Sept 11 local (Sept 10 U.S.).
Other 2026 games are scheduled in London, Paris, Rio, Mexico City, Madrid and Munich.
NFL owners approved a 10-game international slate for 2027, ending teams’ veto rights.

History

Historical Context

After the NFL’s first regular-season game abroad in Mexico City on 2 October 2005 drew 103,467 fans, the league launched the International Series with the New York Giants-Miami Dolphins matchup at Wembley on 28 October 2007. A 2015 resolution extended the series to 2025 and added non-UK venues. Commissioner Roger Goodell’s 2026 plan now schedules nine games across six continents, deepening the league’s global push.

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Story summary

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that NFL teams will be established outside the United States.
The 2026 season will feature a record nine international regular-season games.
Week 1 opens with the 49ers hosting the Rams in Melbourne on Sept 11 local (Sept 10 U.S.).
Other 2026 games are scheduled in London, Paris, Rio, Mexico City, Madrid and Munich.
NFL owners approved a 10-game international slate for 2027, ending teams’ veto rights.

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