The NFL is going global like never before. The league unveiled a record nine international games for the 2026 season, expanding its footprint to four continents and introducing new host cities in Rio de Janeiro, Paris, and Melbourne. Yankee Scores reports.
49ers Bookend the Slate
The San Francisco 49ers will headline the NFL schedule, opening the season in Melbourne against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10 and later hosting the Minnesota Vikings in Mexico City during Week 11.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground will stage the league’s first game in Australia, while Estadio Banorte will welcome the 49ers back to Mexico for the first time since 2022.
New Destinations
The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens will square off in Rio’s iconic Maracanã Stadium in Week 3, marking the NFL’s debut in Brazil’s most famous venue.
In Week 7, the New Orleans Saints will host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Stade de France in Paris, the league’s first game in the French capital. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Week 9.
Europe Remains a Hub
London will once again host three games, including back‑to‑back Jaguars home contests at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley. Munich will stage its third NFL game, with the Detroit Lions meeting the New England Patriots in Week 10. All six European games will kick off at 9:30 a.m. Eastern, giving fans a breakfast‑time football window before the traditional Sunday slate.
Global Expansion Continues
Commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated the league’s goal of staging 16 international games annually. By the end of 2026, the NFL will have played 71 contests across 12 cities worldwide. With half the league’s teams participating this season, the push for global growth is stronger than ever.
