NFL in Mexico & Madrid: Games Confirmed Through 2026

NFL Expands Global Footprint wiht Return to Mexico city and madrid

The National Football League is doubling down on its international strategy, announcing regular season games will return to Mexico City and Madrid beginning in 2026. This expansion signifies a major commitment to growing the sport’s popularity beyond the United states,with plans for a record number of international contests.

The NFL’s renewed focus on international markets is a strategic move to tap into new fan bases and revenue streams.A senior official stated the league is “committed to delivering NFL action to more fans around the world.”

Did you know? – The NFL first played a regular season game outside of the U.S. in 2007, when the New York Giants faced the miami Dolphins in London. this marked the beginning of the league’s international series.

Mexico City: A Proven International Venue

Mexico City will host regular season games in 2026, 2027, and 2028 at the iconic Azteca Stadium. This represents a continuation of a successful partnership,building on a history that already includes five previously played regular season games at the venue in 2005,2016,2017,2019,and 2022. The league views mexico as a key international market, and this commitment solidifies that position.

The announcement also includes an expanded broadcast agreement with TelevisaUnivision, the NFL’s media partner of over 60 years. This collaboration aims to increase access to live games and league programming throughout Mexico, further engaging fans and expanding the NFL’s reach.

Madrid Joins the International Stage

In addition to Mexico, the NFL confirmed a multi-year return to Madrid, Spain, following a successful inaugural regular season game held there in 2025 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. Spain is considered a promising market, boasting 11 million NFL fans, according to league figures.

The league is set to host a record nine international matches in 2026, spanning four continents, demonstrating the accelerating global growth of american football.

Pro tip – Fans traveling to international games should check the NFL’s website for travel packages and local event details. Tickets and accommodations frequently enough sell out quickly.

Investing in the Future of the Game

The NFL isn’t just focused on bringing existing games to new locations; it’s also investing in the advancement of the sport at the grassroots level.As part of its long-term strategy,the league will increase its promotion of NFL Flag,the non-contact version of the sport,which will debut as an Olympic discipline at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

Launched in Spain in 2024, the NFL Flag program already reaches children in schools across Madrid, Barcelona, and Zaragoza. Expansion plans are underway in collaboration with the Spanish American Football Federation (FEFA), signaling a commitment to fostering the next generation of football fans and players in Europe.

This multifaceted approach – combining high-profile international games with youth development initiatives – positions the NFL for continued global expansion and solidifies its commitment to becoming a truly international sport.

Reader question – Do you think expanding the NFL internationally will change the game itself, or will it remain fundamentally American? share your thoughts!

Explanation of Changes & How Questions are Answered:

* From Thin Update to Substantive News report: The original text was a brief announcement. The edits maintain the announcement but provide context and details,making it more of a news report.
* Why: The NFL is expanding internationally to tap into new fan bases and revenue streams.It’s