News Summary
The NFL plans to host a record seven international games in 2025, expanding its global presence. Notable matchups include games in Ireland, Germany, Spain, and Brazil, highlighting the league’s commitment to international growth. This historic schedule features a mix of first-time events and established traditions, aiming to engage fans worldwide and promote the sport’s global appeal.
Record Number of International NFL Games Scheduled for 2025
London, England — The National Football League (NFL) has announced its plans to host a record seven international games in 2025, marking the highest number of overseas matchups in league history. The expanded schedule highlights the NFL’s ongoing efforts to grow its global presence and engage with international fans.
Expanded International Footprint
The upcoming schedule will feature first-time games in Ireland, Germany, and Spain. Notably, the league’s operations team has chosen to schedule newly planned international games across multiple European cities and Brazil, underlining a strategic push for worldwide expansion.
Key Games and Locations
The first international game of the 2025 season will be played in São Paulo, Brazil, where the Kansas City Chiefs will face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1, on September 5. This game continues the NFL’s efforts to establish a strong foothold in South America.
In Ireland, the Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin on September 28. This game will be the first regular-season NFL game hosted in Ireland, representing a historic milestone for the league.
On October 5, the Minnesota Vikings are scheduled to play against the Cleveland Browns at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. This marks the Vikings’ second consecutive year participating in an international matchup.
Extended International Schedule in Europe
London will host additional games in October, including a matchup between the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets on October 12, followed by a game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 19. These matches serve to maintain London’s reputation as the NFL’s primary overseas host city.
Historic Debuts and International Engagement
Further expanding its international scope, the NFL will host a game in Berlin, Germany. The Indianapolis Colts will face the Atlanta Falcons at the Olympic Stadium on November 9. This marks the first NFL regular-season game held in Berlin, reflecting the league’s interest in establishing a foothold in Germany.
The schedule will conclude with a game in Madrid, Spain, on November 16, where the Washington Commanders will face the Miami Dolphins. This will be the league’s first-ever NFL game played in Spain, signifying a significant step in its European expansion efforts.
Broader Strategy and Future Plans
League officials and ownership have indicated that the international schedule is part of a broader strategy to foster year-round engagement with global fans and expand the league’s international footprint. Suggestions from league leaders point toward the possibility of an international game every year for every team in the near future, reflecting plans for sustained international growth.
Ticket Sales and Fan Engagement
Tickets for the 2025 international games are scheduled to go on sale in the summer. Fans interested in attending are encouraged to register for updates and ticket information at the NFL’s official website, as the league continues to promote its global initiatives.
Background Context
The NFL has been increasingly committed to international expansion over the past decade, gradually increasing the number of overseas games from a handful to a more ambitious seven for 2025. Previously, the league has hosted regular-season games in London and Mexico City, with efforts now expanding into Ireland, Germany, and Spain. League officials see these international matchups not only as opportunities for growth but also as a means to enhance the league’s global brand and fan base.
Commissioner Roger Goodell has previously indicated plans to increase international games in future collective bargaining agreements from 10 to 16 per year, confirming the league’s long-term commitment to this strategy. These moves aim to position the NFL as a truly global sport, accessible and engaging to fans worldwide.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Sports: One International Game Every Year for Each NFL Team is on the Horizon
- NFL.com: 2025 International Games Announcement
- CBS Sports: Six International Games Revealed on 2025 NFL Schedule
- USA Today: NFL International Games – Five Things to Know
- Wikipedia: International Football
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