The 2026 schedule will feature a record nine NFL international games with three new cities added to the rotation this year.
The NFL is heading back overseas in 2026 with some of the league’s most exciting matchups set to take place on the international stage.
Since first launching the International Series in 2007, the NFL has continued expanding its global reach, turning international games from a one-time experiment into a major part of the league calendar.
What began with games at Wembley Stadium in London has now spread across multiple continents, with countries like Germany, Mexico, Brazil and Spain becoming annual destinations for the NFL. This season marks another major step forward in the league’s global expansion, featuring a record nine international games across seven different countries.
From historic first-time host cities to playoff rematches and superstar quarterback battles, this year’s international slate offers no shortage of intrigue.
Ranking The Nine 2026 NFL International Games
Here’s a ranking of all nine NFL international games based on storyline potential, star power and overall excitement heading into the 2026 season.
9. Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: London, England (Oct. 18, Week 6)
While AFC South matchups rarely dominate national headlines, there’s still intrigue surrounding this divisional battle heading overseas. London has essentially become Jacksonville’s second home over the years, with the Jaguars now one of the NFL’s most internationally recognized franchises thanks to their annual appearances in the United Kingdom.
Houston’s young core continues to develop into one of the league’s more exciting teams, and this matchup could have legitimate divisional implications late in the season. Still, compared to the international matchups, it’s almost becoming stale to see Jacksonville in London every season.
8. Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders: London, England (Oct. 4, Week 4)
This game could end up being much more entertaining than expected depending on how both young quarterbacks develop entering 2026. Washington’s rapid rise has made the Commanders one of the NFL’s more compelling storylines, while Indianapolis continues searching for consistency in a crowded AFC playoff picture.
London crowds always bring energy, and games featuring emerging young stars tend to perform well internationally. Even so, this matchup lacks the historical significance or marquee appeal of some of the other overseas contests. It will be one of two NFL international games played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2026.
It can be expected that the Colts will have a great defensive showing but Jayden Daniels has such a bright future it might be hard to stop him as he makes a full return from injury.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints: Paris, France (Oct. 25, Week 7)
Any time the NFL enters a brand-new international market, it immediately becomes noteworthy. Paris hosting its first-ever regular season NFL game makes this one of the most historically important games on the schedule regardless of the matchup itself.
The Steelers remain one of the league’s most recognizable global brands with fans spread across multiple continents, making them a logical choice to help introduce the NFL to France. Even if the on-field matchup might not be the flashiest, the significance of expanding into another major European city gives this game major intrigue.
With the Saints being led by Tyler Shough and the Steelers quarterback situation still not set, this is going to be a mysterious matchup for NFL fans. Defensive stars like T.J Watt or even Chase Young have a chance to make this a heavy defensive game.
6. New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions: Munich, Germany (Nov. 15, Week 10)
Germany has quickly become one of the NFL’s strongest international markets, with Munich producing some of the best atmospheres the league has seen overseas. Detroit entering the international spotlight feels especially fitting after transforming into one of the NFL’s premier contenders over the last several seasons.
The Lions’ explosive offense paired with Germany’s electric football culture could create one of the loudest environments of the entire international schedule. Meanwhile, New England still carries one of the NFL’s most recognizable global brands despite entering a new post-dynasty era.
With New England coming off a Super Bowl appearance this is an opportunity for Drake Maye and company to grow their branding and show they can still dominate internationally.
5. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: London, England (Oct. 11, Week 5)
The Eagles bring instant intrigue to any international matchup because of their massive fanbase and consistent championship expectations. Philadelphia fans traveling overseas always create a major storyline on its own, and pairing them with Jacksonville will be a fun one.
Jacksonville is becoming the NFL’s most internationally experienced franchise, which should make for another memorable London atmosphere. If both teams enter the season as playoff contenders, this could easily become one of the most competitive games of the entire international slate. The Jaguars will spend back-to-back weeks in England facing the Eagles in Week 5 (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) and Houston in Week 6 (Wembley Stadium).
4. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons: Madrid, Spain (Nov. 8, Week 9)
The Bengals heading to Madrid makes this one of the more fascinating games on the international schedule, especially considering how rarely Cincinnati has played overseas. This matchup marks just the third international regular season game in franchise history, adding another layer of significance for one of the NFL’s most successful teams of the past several seasons.
With Joe Burrow continuing to establish himself as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks and Ja’Marr Chase remaining one of football’s biggest stars, the Bengals finally get another opportunity to showcase their star power on a global stage.
There’s also added intrigue surrounding Madrid itself. Spain became the NFL’s newest international destination last season, and the league clearly saw enough success to return immediately for a second straight year. The atmosphere, fan turnout and growing European interest made Madrid an instant success story for the NFL’s international expansion plans. Pairing that growing market with a Bengals team that consistently draws national attention feels intentional.
3. Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers: Melbourne, Australia (Sept. 10, Week 1)
This game carries arguably the biggest historical significance of the entire international slate as the NFL officially heads to Australia for the first time. Opening a completely new continent for regular season football represents another massive step in the league’s global expansion efforts. On top of that, the matchup itself delivers major intrigue with two NFC West rivals meeting on an international stage.
The 49ers remain one of the NFL’s premier global brands thanks to years of sustained success and star power, while the Rams continue carrying major-name recognition from Los Angeles. (They top the offseason TeamFB7 Power Rankings.)
Rivalry games already tend to feel bigger, but placing one in the NFL’s first Australian regular season game elevates this matchup even further. The visuals, atmosphere and novelty factor alone could make this one of the most memorable games of the season.
2. Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers: Mexico City, Mexico (Nov. 22, Week 11)
Mexico City finally returning to the international rotation adds immediate excitement to this matchup. The NFL has not played a regular season game in Mexico since 2022, but previous games at Estadio Azteca consistently produced massive crowds and playoff-like atmospheres.
Few international locations have embraced NFL football quite like Mexico City, making its return one of the biggest storylines of the entire schedule release.
The matchup itself only adds to the intrigue. San Francisco has one of the largest international fanbases in the NFL, especially throughout Mexico, meaning the 49ers will likely feel right at home. Minnesota also enters the season with plenty of attention depending on how its offense evolves heading into 2026. Between the atmosphere, history and likely playoff implications, this has all the makings of one of the best international games of the year.
With one of the brightest stars in Justin Jefferson, and a top notch 49ers defensive, this could make for a fun battle to close out the international schedule.
1. Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Sept. 27, Week 3)
No international game combines star power, storyline potential and global appeal quite like Ravens versus Cowboys in Brazil. Dallas remains the NFL’s biggest brand internationally, while Baltimore continues to establish itself as one of the AFC’s premier contenders led by QB Lamar Jackson. Any Cowboys international game instantly becomes one of the league’s biggest showcases, and placing them in Brazil only amplifies the attention surrounding this matchup.
Brazil made history by hosting its first NFL regular season game in 2025, and the atmosphere immediately proved the country could become a long-term part of the league’s international plans. Bringing back a marquee matchup featuring two teams with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations feels like the NFL doubling down on that success.
Between the massive fan interest, superstar quarterbacks and playoff-level expectations surrounding both teams, this stands as the clear headliner of the NFL’s 2026 international schedule.
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