The NFL will feature a record nine international games in its 2026 season. New host cities include Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, and Paris, joining established locations London, Madrid, Munich, and Mexico City [1, 2].
In May 2026, NFL club owners approved increasing the number of international games to 10 for the 2027 season, with the potential to add an 11th pending NFLPA approval [2]. The Jacksonville Jaguars will play that 11th game at Wembley Stadium in London because their home stadium will be closed for renovations [2].
The league aims to eventually hold a full regular season abroad, meaning 17 or 18 international games per season, with every NFL team playing at least one game outside the U.S. each year [2]. The NFL is also exploring hosting games in Japan, expanding its international reach further [2].
NFL Executive Vice President Peter O’Reilly said the global fan appetite has been growing “very, very rapidly.” He added, “Every market we go to, we're seeing that growth” [1]. NFL Vice President of Broadcasting and Planning Mike North noted, “We don't lock in our international games like we used to do not that long ago... I don't want to call them routine. I know they're not. But they're just another NFL game on the schedule” [2]. This reflects a shift in how the league views its international contests.
The 2026 season will mark the largest slate of international NFL games ever held, setting a new benchmark that the league plans to exceed in 2027. The Jaguars’ 11th international game at Wembley highlights how stadium availability is also shaping the schedule. With fan demand surging worldwide, the NFL continues to expand its global footprint tentatively toward a full overseas season.
