NFL International Games 2026: Full Schedule and Where to Watch
The NFL is taking its global ambitions to another level in 2026.
The league's International Games program will feature a record nine regular-season games outside the United States, taking the NFL to seven countries across four continents. From the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium to London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Madrid's iconic Bernabéu Stadium, the 2026 schedule gives international fans an unprecedented opportunity to experience professional American football on home soil.
For fans in India and elsewhere outside the United States, the international series also provides some of the most convenient kickoff times of the NFL season. Here's everything you need to know.
NFL International Games 2026 Schedule
The 2026 International Series begins in Australia and concludes in Mexico, with stops in Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Germany along the way.
| Date | Location | Matchup | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 10 | Melbourne, Australia | San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams | Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| September 27 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys | Maracanã Stadium |
| October 4 | London, UK | Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium |
| October 11 | London, UK | Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium |
| October 18 | London, UK | Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | Wembley Stadium |
| October 25 | Paris, France | Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints | Stade de France |
| November 8 | Madrid, Spain | Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons | Bernabéu Stadium |
| November 15 | Munich, Germany | New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions | FC Bayern Munich Arena |
| November 22 | Mexico City, Mexico | Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers | Estadio Banorte |
The schedule is officially confirmed by the NFL, which describes 2026 as its most expansive international season yet.
Why the 2026 International Series Is Different
There is more to this year's schedule than simply moving NFL games overseas.
Australia gets its first regular-season NFL game, with the Rams and 49ers meeting at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. France also joins the regular-season schedule for the first time, while Rio de Janeiro hosts its first NFL regular-season game.
London remains the league's most established international destination, receiving three games in 2026. Madrid returns after the success of the 2025 game at the Bernabéu, while Munich and Mexico City continue their relationships with the NFL.
The result is a season that feels less like a collection of overseas exhibitions and more like a genuinely global NFL calendar.
Key Players to Watch
Lamar Jackson — Baltimore Ravens
Few players can make an international NFL game feel like an event quite like Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens quarterback combines elite speed, improvisational ability and explosive passing, making Baltimore one of the league's most dangerous offenses. His matchup with Dallas in Rio was particularly compelling because Jackson and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had only previously met once, with Jackson winning that 2024 meeting.
The Brazil game ultimately delivered exactly the kind of drama international audiences hope for. Baltimore defeated Dallas 34-31, and the game became the most-watched NFL international game in history, averaging 24.9 million viewers in the United States.
Dak Prescott — Dallas Cowboys
Prescott remains one of the NFL's biggest stars, and the Cowboys bring an enormous international following wherever they play.
The quarterback's experience and ability to lead a high-powered offense made Dallas-Baltimore one of the headline attractions of the 2026 overseas schedule.
Matthew Stafford — Los Angeles Rams
The Rams' trip to Melbourne represents one of the biggest international moments of the season, and veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford gives the matchup an obvious marquee name.
The Rams-49ers game also carries an important divisional storyline, since these NFC West rivals know each other extremely well. Taking that rivalry to the other side of the world adds another layer to an already significant matchup.
Jalen Hurts — Philadelphia Eagles
Hurts' combination of passing and rushing ability makes Philadelphia particularly entertaining in a standalone international game, while the Eagles' passionate fan base should make their Tottenham appearance one of the loudest games of the London series.
Trevor Lawrence — Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville faces Philadelphia at Tottenham on October 11 before meeting Houston at Wembley a week later. The Jaguars' long-standing London connection makes them one of the most recognizable NFL teams in the UK.
Joe Burrow — Cincinnati Bengals
Madrid gets a heavyweight quarterback matchup when the Bengals face the Atlanta Falcons at the Bernabéu.
Joe Burrow's precision passing and ability to perform in high-pressure games make Cincinnati one of the most intriguing teams to watch when the NFL arrives in Spain.
Jared Goff — Detroit Lions
The Lions' trip to Munich puts Jared Goff and Detroit in one of Europe's most passionate football markets.
Detroit's offense has developed into one of the league's more exciting units, making the Patriots-Lions matchup an intriguing contrast of styles.
London Remains the NFL's International Home
London continues to occupy a special place in the NFL's international strategy.
The city will host three games in 2026:
Colts vs. Commanders — October 4
Eagles vs. Jaguars — October 11
Texans vs. Jaguars — October 18
The first two games are being played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, while the Jaguars' matchup with Houston moves to Wembley Stadium.
London's importance goes beyond the games themselves. The NFL has spent years building grassroots programs, fan events and commercial partnerships in the UK, making the city one of the league's most mature international markets.
Where to Watch the NFL International Games
United States
U.S. viewers will see international games distributed across the NFL's normal broadcast ecosystem, depending on the individual matchup.
NFL+ is also available for live streaming on supported devices, while NFL Network carries selected international contests.
United Kingdom and Ireland
Fans in the UK have several options.
Sky Sports remains the major pay-TV broadcaster, while Channel 5 provides free-to-air coverage for selected games. NFL Game Pass on DAZN also offers extensive coverage. The NFL says all six European international games in 2026 will be shown live across Channel 5, Sky Sports and NFL Game Pass on DAZN, subject to applicable restrictions.
India and Other International Markets
For fans outside the U.S., the most straightforward option is generally NFL Game Pass on DAZN, although availability and local rights can vary by country.
The NFL specifically advises international viewers to check its country-by-country broadcast listings because rights differ between markets.
For Indian viewers, checking the local broadcaster or streaming service shortly before each game is recommended, particularly because international sports rights can change from season to season.
Why Fans Should Pay Attention
The NFL International Games are no longer simply promotional events played thousands of miles from the league's traditional home.
They are becoming an important part of the NFL calendar.
The combination of superstar quarterbacks, historic venues and new markets makes this year's series particularly compelling. Whether you're watching Lamar Jackson in Brazil, Jalen Hurts in London, Joe Burrow in Madrid or the 49ers in Melbourne, the International Series offers a different way to experience the NFL.
And for fans outside the United States, particularly those watching from India, the overseas schedule is one of the best opportunities of the season to catch marquee NFL football without having to stay up until the early hours for every game.
