The National Football League has consistently expressed its ambition to significantly broaden its global footprint. Beyond its dominant presence in the domestic market, Commissioner Roger Goodell has openly emphasized the strategic importance of hosting an increasing number of games internationally.
Expanding International Game Schedule
The 2026 NFL season is already set to feature an unprecedented nine international matchups across various countries. The season will kick off in Melbourne, Australia, with a Week 1 clash between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. Week 3 will see the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys compete in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Following these initial games, Europe will host four consecutive weeks of NFL action. London is slated for two games: the Indianapolis Colts against the Washington Commanders in Week 4, and the Philadelphia Eagles facing the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5. The Jacksonville Jaguars will return to Wembley Stadium in London for Week 6 to play the Houston Texans, while the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints will meet in Paris during Week 7. Later in the season, the Cincinnati Bengals will play the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid, the New England Patriots will take on the Detroit Lions in Munich, and the Minnesota Vikings will challenge the San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City.
While recent seasons typically included eight international contests, and the upcoming season features nine, a vote has already been passed to permit up to ten games outside the U.S. starting in 2027. This decision also removed the previous right of teams to decline having their home games relocated to an international venue.
Envisioning Permanent International Franchises
This ongoing international expansion signals a clear trajectory for the NFL's future. Commissioner Goodell recently took this vision a step further, indicating in a new interview that the league anticipates not just one, but multiple teams, operating from international bases.
"At some point, there will be NFL teams outside the USA," Goodell stated in an interview with former NFL player Markus Kuhn for the German media outlet RTL/ntv. "I have no doubt that this will happen one day."
While he did not specify potential host cities for these future franchises, Goodell made an even more audacious prediction: the possibility of an international city hosting a Super Bowl.
"There are definitely international cities that could host something like that," Goodell remarked. "But we would like to see an NFL team in such a city first."
This is not the first instance where Goodell has underscored the NFL's serious commitment to global expansion. The prospect of establishing a strong, permanent foothold, particularly in regions like Europe, represents a vast potential for revenue growth, an objective the NFL consistently prioritizes. The commissioner has also previously expressed interest in hosting games in Asia, and Mexico City served as a regular destination for games between 2016 and 2022.
Navigating Logistical Hurdles
Despite the grand vision, the practical implementation of permanent international teams and a global Super Bowl presents considerable logistical challenges. Travel logistics are a significant concern, especially if Europe becomes the primary international hub. Teams from the West Coast of the United States, for example, would face extensive 10-12 hour flights to destinations like London or Paris. Even East Coast teams would need to adapt to different travel schedules, time zones, and the effects of jet lag.
The idea of a Super Bowl being played at venues such as Tottenham Stadium, Wembley, or the Stade de France also raises questions about tradition and scheduling. The Super Bowl traditionally kicks off around 6:30 PM Eastern Time. However, 6:30 PM Eastern translates to 11:30 PM in London. Adjusting the game to an 8:00 PM local time in London would mean a 12:00 PM kickoff on the U.S. West Coast and 3:00 PM on the East Coast. While Sunday afternoon games are common, a radical shift from the established prime-time slot for the league's biggest event would represent a significant departure from tradition.
These ambitious plans are certainly years, if not decades, away from materializing. Nevertheless, the NFL and Commissioner Goodell remain unequivocally dedicated to establishing multiple teams in other countries, driven by the league's consistent focus on increasing its financial returns.
