The 2026 NFL Schedule Release Brings a Record Nine International Games Across the Globe
The 2026 NFL schedule release: dates, times, matchups for nine international games marks the most ambitious global expansion in league history. Here’s a quick look at all nine games:
| Week | Matchup | Location | Date | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LA Rams vs. SF 49ers | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia | Sept. 10 | 8:35 p.m. |
| 3 | Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys | Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro | Sept. 27 | 4:25 p.m. |
| 4 | Washington Commanders vs. Indianapolis Colts | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London | Oct. 4 | 9:30 a.m. |
| 5 | Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Philadelphia Eagles | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London | Oct. 11 | 9:30 a.m. |
| 6 | Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans | London | TBD | 9:30 a.m. |
| 9 | Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons | Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid | Nov. 8 | 9:30 a.m. |
| 10 | New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions | FC Bayern Munich Stadium, Munich | Nov. 15 | 9:30 a.m. |
| 11 | Minnesota Vikings vs. SF 49ers | Estadio Banorte, Mexico City | Nov. 22 | 8:20 p.m. |
| TBD | Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints | Stade de France, Paris | TBD | TBD |
The full 2026 NFL schedule was released on May 14 at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network, ESPN2, the ESPN App, and NFL+. The international slate was previewed a day earlier on May 13 at 9 a.m. ET on Good Morning Football.
This season spans four continents and seven countries — with brand-new NFL markets in Melbourne, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro joining returning hosts London, Munich, Madrid, and Mexico City.
I’m John Doe, Senior Backlinker with deep experience covering the 2026 NFL schedule release: dates, times, matchups for nine international games and the league’s growing global footprint. I’ve tracked every international series announcement since the program’s early days, so I’ll break down everything you need to know below.
2026 NFL schedule release: Dates, times, matchups for nine international games
The wait is finally over! We’ve officially entered the era of the “Global NFL,” and the 2026 NFL schedule release: dates, times, matchups for nine international games is the proof. On May 14, the league pulled back the curtain on a massive 272-game slate, but the crown jewels are undoubtedly the nine games being played outside of U.S. borders.
Creating a schedule this complex isn’t just a guy with a spreadsheet anymore. The NFL uses high-performance computing powered by AWS to sift through over a quadrillion possible combinations. They have to account for over 26,000 factors, including stadium availability, travel fatigue, and broadcast windows. When you’re flying teams to Melbourne one week and Rio the next, you need that kind of “brainpower” to keep things fair.
As NFL schedule release 2026: 9 international games are already beginning to leak – Yahoo Sports correctly predicted, the 2026 season is a record-breaker. We’re seeing more games in more countries than ever before. This expansion is part of the league’s long-term goal to eventually host 16 international games per year—meaning every single team would play one game abroad.
According to 2026 NFL Schedule Release Set for May 14: Full Slate, Record International Games, and Fan Perks – NHANFL, the league isn’t just moving games; they are creating “event” experiences. Whether you’re watching from your couch or planning a trip to London, the logistics are mind-boggling. Fans can even use the Marriott Bonvoy integration on the NFL schedule page to book their stays directly. If you’re heading to any of these games, don’t forget to pack one of our reflective disco cowboy hats—you’ll want to be seen under those bright international stadium lights!
Southern Hemisphere Debuts: 2026 NFL schedule release: Dates, times, matchups for nine international games
The most talked-about game of the 2026 NFL schedule release: dates, times, matchups for nine international games is the historic debut in Australia. On Thursday, September 10 (which is actually Friday morning in Melbourne), the Los Angeles Rams will “host” the San Francisco 49ers at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
This is a massive moment for the league. The MCG is the largest stadium in Australia, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric. Because of the 14-hour time difference, the game kicks off at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, which translates to a prime-time 8:35 p.m. ET slot on Thursday night for us back in the States. This game is a Netflix exclusive, marking a new era of streaming for the NFL’s biggest international events.
But the Southern Hemisphere party doesn’t stop there. In Week 3, the league returns to South America for a heavyweight clash in Rio de Janeiro. The Baltimore Ravens will take on the Dallas Cowboys at the legendary Maracanã Stadium on September 27 at 4:25 p.m. ET.
This matchup is a dream for football fans. The Ravens historically hold a 6-1 record over the Cowboys, but Dallas is always a massive draw internationally. Maracanã is one of the most famous soccer cathedrals in the world, and seeing Lamar Jackson darting across that turf will be a sight to behold. CBS and Paramount+ will handle the broadcast, making it easily accessible for the Sunday afternoon crowd.
European and Mexico City Slates: 2026 NFL schedule release: Dates, times, matchups for nine international games
Moving back to the familiar grounds of Europe, the 2026 NFL schedule release: dates, times, matchups for nine international games features a heavy dose of London, a return to Germany and Spain, and a brand-new stop in France.
London remains the “second home” of the NFL. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium—the only purpose-built NFL stadium outside the U.S.—will host two games. In Week 4, the Washington Commanders face the Indianapolis Colts. Both teams are looking for a spark, and a trip across the pond might be exactly what the doctor ordered. In Week 5, the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Philadelphia Eagles.
Speaking of the Jaguars, they are essentially London’s local team at this point. They will play back-to-back games in the UK, hosting the Houston Texans in Week 6 at a venue to be confirmed (likely Wembley Stadium). This “double-dip” strategy has worked well for the Jags in the past, helping them build a massive local fanbase.
Spain is also back on the map. After a successful debut in 2025, the NFL returns to Madrid’s renovated Bernabéu Stadium in Week 9. The Cincinnati Bengals will face the Atlanta Falcons on November 8. This game features some of the league’s most exciting young talent, including Bijan Robinson, who led the league in scrimmage yards last season.
In Week 10, the action shifts to Munich, Germany. The New England Patriots will “visit” the Detroit Lions at FC Bayern Munich Stadium. This is a special game for Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown, whose mother is from Germany. Seeing him play in front of his German fans will be a highlight of the international season.
Finally, we can’t forget the return to Mexico City. After stadium renovations kept the league away for a bit, the NFL is back at Estadio Banorte in Week 11. The Minnesota Vikings will play the San Francisco 49ers on November 22. The 49ers have a massive following in Mexico, and their 2022 victory there is still talked about by local fans.
While you’re tracking these world-class athletes, you might also be interested in other sports legends. Check out our Detailed Reviews of the Top 10 NBA Leading Scorers to see how the greats of the hardwood compare to the stars of the gridiron.
Key Storylines and Team Participation in the 2026 International Series
The 2026 NFL schedule release: dates, times, matchups for nine international games isn’t just about locations; it’s about the teams making the trek. In total, 16 teams will participate in the international series this year.
The Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Francisco 49ers are the busiest travelers. The Jaguars are continuing their tradition of playing multiple games in London, which has become a key part of their business model. Meanwhile, the 49ers are making history as the first team to play two international games in the same season that are not in back-to-back weeks. They start the season in Australia and head to Mexico City in November. That’s a lot of frequent flyer miles!
Another major storyline is the Detroit Lions’ return to the international stage. Before this season, they had one of the longest international droughts in the league, not having played abroad since 2015. Their trip to Munich is highly anticipated, especially with the German connection of the St. Brown family.
The Dallas Cowboys are also ending a long international hiatus. Their trip to Rio is their first game outside the U.S. since 2014. For a team branded as “America’s Team,” they certainly have a global following that has been waiting a long time to see them live.
These games are also a great bridge to other major sporting events. With the FIFA World Cup 2026: Dates, 104 Matches (June 11 – July 19) happening just before the NFL season kicks off, many of these stadiums—like the Maracanã and the Bernabéu—will be in the global spotlight for months. It’s a golden age for international sports fans.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 NFL International Games
How can fans purchase tickets for the 2026 international games?
Buying tickets for international games is a bit different than your standard home game. We recommend visiting NFL.com/tickets as your first stop. The league partners with “NFL Ticket HQ” providers like Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, and Sports Illustrated Tickets to ensure fans are buying verified seats.
For the international games specifically, fans should register for updates at dedicated pages like nfl.com/London or nfl.com/Melbourne. Tickets usually go on sale in the summer, and they move fast. If you want a more “all-inclusive” experience, On Location offers official ticket and travel packages that include hospitality and hotel stays.
Which teams are playing multiple international games in 2026?
As mentioned in the 2026 NFL schedule release: dates, times, matchups for nine international games, two teams are pulling double duty:
- Jacksonville Jaguars: They will play two games in London (Weeks 5 and 6). This is the first time a team has hosted two consecutive “home” games internationally.
- San Francisco 49ers: They will play in Week 1 (Australia) and Week 11 (Mexico).
This is a significant logistical challenge for these franchises, requiring specialized recovery plans and travel schedules to ensure the players remain at peak performance despite the thousands of miles traveled.
What are the broadcast details for the 2026 international matchups?
The NFL has spread the broadcast rights across several partners to ensure global visibility:
- Netflix: Exclusive rights for the Australia game (Rams vs. 49ers).
- CBS/Paramount+: The Rio de Janeiro game (Ravens vs. Cowboys).
- NFL Network: Will carry most of the 9:30 a.m. ET European games.
- ESPN/ESPN2: Often handles the Monday night or special window games, including the schedule release coverage itself.
- NFL+: Live streaming access for mobile users and international fans.
If you’re in the U.S. and watching the European games, get your coffee ready! Those 9:30 a.m. ET kickoffs come early, especially for fans on the West Coast.
Conclusion
The 2026 NFL schedule release: dates, times, matchups for nine international games proves that American football is no longer just “American.” From the cricket grounds of Melbourne to the historic stadiums of Madrid and Paris, the league is bringing the “shield” to every corner of the planet.
At Cow Boy Disco Hat Shop, we love seeing the world come together for a great party—and what’s a bigger party than an NFL game? Whether you’re cheering in Rio or London, our premium disco cowboy hats are the perfect accessory to show off your spirit. They’re event-tested, comfortable for long wear, and designed to shine under stadium lights.
As we look forward to the 2026 season, stay tuned for more updates on matchups, player news, and travel tips. If you’re a sports nut like us, be sure to Explore more in our Sports Category for the latest deep dives into your favorite leagues. Let’s get ready for some international football!
