The NFL will play nine international games in 2026, marking a significant expansion of its global schedule under commissioner Roger Goodell.
The league’s international schedule has grown steadily in recent years, with games scheduled in Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom in the upcoming season. This includes regular-season matchups in Melbourne, Paris, Madrid, London, and Rio de Janeiro.
Goodell, in his 20th season as commissioner, emphasized the long-term strategy behind the expansion during an interview ahead of the league’s first-ever regular-season game in Australia. He stated that the NFL’s global growth requires a 5-, 10-, or 15-year outlook, calling it a necessity for responsible leadership.
“Whether it's media, or whether it's labor, or whether it's our international plans or what we're doing with stadiums, all of that [requires] taking a 5-, 10-, 15-year look, and it's critical to do that,” Goodell said. “If you're not, you're being irresponsible.”
The NFL’s current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) caps international games at 10 per season, with the agreement set to expire in March 2031—aligning with Goodell’s contract extension. He has previously expressed a goal of reaching 16 international games annually, though this would require player buy-in and potential CBA adjustments.
Expansion Plans and Domestic Concerns
The league’s push for international games has drawn mixed reactions. While some international fans celebrate the NFL’s global reach, critics argue that the league should prioritize growing the sport domestically.
Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden criticized the expansion during a recent episode of The Gruden Family Football Show, stating that the NFL should focus on engaging American youth rather than expanding overseas.
“I didn’t see Red Grange playing in Australia, and I never saw Ray Nitschke play in London,” Gruden said in response to a caller advocating for more international games. “So take that and stick that in your pipe. If you want to grow the game, grow it in the United States. We got a lot of kids that aren’t playing football, so let’s play games where we need to grow the game in our country.”
International Growth and Viewership Challenges
Despite the NFL’s global ambitions, international viewership remains limited. Last year’s Week 1 international game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, streamed on YouTube, drew 18.5 million U.S. viewers but only 1.2 million abroad.
Goodell acknowledged the disparity but framed the expansion as a long-term investment. The league’s schedule for 2026 includes nine international games, with plans to increase to 10 in 2027 and potentially 16 in the future, pending player and league approval.
The NFL’s international push coincides with broader efforts to modernize its media strategy, including streaming partnerships and expanded regular-season schedules. Goodell’s contract extension ensures his leadership through March 2031, aligning with the CBA’s timeline for potential international game adjustments.