The NFL global expansion reaches new heights in 2026, with nine regular-season games scheduled across six countries and four continents. From the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia to the legendary Maracanã Stadium in Brazil, fans have more opportunities than ever to combine their love of football with unforgettable travel experiences.
Whether you’re planning to follow your favorite team overseas or simply looking for an excuse to visit a bucket-list destination, the 2026 NFL International Schedule offers something for every traveler.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s international games, along with ideas for making the most of each destination.
September 10 – San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Melbourne, Australia – Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
The international schedule opens with one of the NFL’s biggest rivalries in one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues. The MCG regularly hosts more than 90,000 fans and is considered the spiritual home of Australian sports.
While in Melbourne, stroll through Federation Square, explore colorful laneways filled with street art, visit Queen Victoria Market, or take the scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road. Food lovers will also find one of the world’s best coffee cultures.
Don’t Miss
- Great Ocean Road
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- St. Kilda Beach
- Penguin Parade on Phillip Island
September 27 – Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Maracanã Stadium
Few cities combine sports, scenery, and nightlife like Rio de Janeiro. Maracanã has hosted FIFA World Cup Finals, Olympic events, and now welcomes another NFL showcase.
Spend your trip relaxing on Copacabana or Ipanema Beach, ride the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain, and visit Christ the Redeemer for panoramic views of the city.
Highlights
- Christ the Redeemer
- Sugarloaf Mountain
- Copacabana Beach
- Ipanema Beach
October 4 – Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders
London, England – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
London has become the NFL’s international home, and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium remains one of the league’s premier overseas venues. Designed with NFL games in mind, it delivers an outstanding fan experience.
Outside the stadium, visitors can enjoy Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and countless museums that are free to enter.
Top Attractions
- Tower Bridge
- Buckingham Palace
- British Museum
- London Eye
October 11 – Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
London, England – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The following week features another exciting matchup in London, giving travelers the perfect excuse to spend an extended vacation exploring England’s capital.
Consider taking day trips to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, or Oxford if you’re staying for several days.
October 18 – Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
London, England – Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium remains one of football’s most recognizable venues. Hosting an NFL game here continues a tradition dating back nearly two decades.
Football fans can visit the nearby Wembley Park entertainment district before exploring London’s famous theaters, shopping districts, and historic neighborhoods.
Explore Area Hotels
October 25 – Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints
Paris, France – Stade de France
For the first time, Paris hosts an NFL regular-season game, adding one of Europe’s most visited cities to the league’s growing international footprint.
Spend your days exploring the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and charming cafés lining the Seine River. October also offers pleasant weather and smaller crowds than peak summer.
Must See
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Montmartre
November 8 – Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons
Madrid, Spain – Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Madrid combines world-class soccer history with outstanding food, culture, and nightlife. The renovated Bernabéu Stadium provides an incredible setting for America’s game.
Visitors can tour the Royal Palace, wander Plaza Mayor, sample tapas throughout the city, and spend an afternoon inside the Prado Museum.
Popular Attractions
- Royal Palace
- Prado Museum
- Retiro Park
- Plaza Mayor
November 15 – New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions
Munich, Germany – FC Bayern Arena
Germany has quickly become one of the NFL’s strongest international markets, and Munich once again welcomes football fans from around the world.
Beyond game day, explore Marienplatz, tour the famous Hofbräuhaus, visit Nymphenburg Palace, or take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle.
Recommended Stops
- Marienplatz
- Hofbräuhaus
- English Garden
- BMW Museum
November 22 – Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers
Mexico City, Mexico – Estadio Banorte
The international schedule concludes in one of the NFL’s most passionate overseas markets. Mexico City combines ancient history with outstanding cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods.
Visit the historic Zócalo, explore Chapultepec Park, tour the National Museum of Anthropology, and enjoy authentic Mexican food throughout the city.
Don’t Miss
- Chapultepec Castle
- Teotihuacán Pyramids
- Frida Kahlo Museum
- Historic Centro
Which International Trip Offers the Best Value?
If you’re looking for the most affordable NFL vacation, Mexico City and Madrid generally offer excellent value for American travelers. London provides the widest range of flights and accommodations, while Paris offers the opportunity to combine football with one of Europe’s premier tourist destinations.
Melbourne is the longest journey for most North American fans, but it also delivers one of the most unique sports travel experiences in the world.
Travel Tips for NFL Fans
- Book flights as early as possible once your travel dates are confirmed.
- Reserve hotels near public transportation instead of near the stadium to save money.
- Arrive at least two days before kickoff to adjust to time zone differences.
- Purchase attraction tickets in advance for popular landmarks.
- Check passport validity requirements well before departure.
- Consider travel insurance for international trips.
Explore Area Hotels
Final Thoughts
The 2026 NFL International Schedule is more than a collection of football games—it’s an invitation to experience some of the world’s greatest cities. Whether you’re cheering for your favorite team in Melbourne, London, Paris, Madrid, Munich, Rio, or Mexico City, every game offers the chance to turn a weekend of football into an unforgettable vacation.
For sports fans who love to travel, there has never been a better time to pack your jersey, grab your passport, and follow the NFL around the globe.
For more Travel inspiration check out Top 10 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations