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NFL announces record nine international games for 2026 season
The National Football League (NFL) will stage a historic nine regular-season games across four continents in 2026, including two matches in London for the Jacksonville Jaguars and one for the Washington Commanders.
Detroit Lions to play in Munich, fulfilling St Brown family dream
The Detroit Lions will return to Germany for a regular-season game at Allianz Arena in Munich, a moment of personal significance for wide receiver Amon-Ra St Brown. His mother, Miriam, is German, and the family has deep ties to the country.
"It has been a dream of mine to play a game in my mother's home country. I cannot wait to play in front of the incredible fans that I've gotten to know through my visits and football camps," St Brown said.
The 26-year-old, who made his fourth Pro Bowl appearance earlier this month, speaks fluent German alongside his brothers, Equanimeous and Osiris. Their mother broke the news of the Munich game to Amon-Ra, adding an emotional layer to the event.
Jacksonville and Washington to host London games
The Jacksonville Jaguars will play two home games in London, continuing their long-standing association with the UK. The team has participated in every London series since 2013 and will host matches at Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium while their home stadium undergoes renovations.
The Washington Commanders will host the third London game at Tottenham, marking their second appearance in the UK and first since 2016. The franchise, which last played in Spain in 2025, has a strong following in the UK, according to Henry Hodgson, general manager at NFL UK and Ireland.
"Washington's traditionally had a good following in the UK. It's been a long time since they were here, so I think people will be excited to see the Commanders," Hodgson said.
Global expansion continues with first games in Australia and France
The 2026 season will see the NFL play its first regular-season games in Australia (Melbourne) and France (Paris), alongside matches in Germany (Munich), Spain (Madrid), Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), and Mexico (Mexico City). However, the league will not return to Ireland immediately after its debut game in Dublin in 2025.
Hodgson highlighted the success of the Dublin game, which attracted more U.S. visitors than any other international NFL match. He noted positive discussions with Irish officials about future games but confirmed no immediate plans for a return.
Celebrating 20 years of NFL in London
The NFL will mark the 20th anniversary of its first regular-season game in London in 2027. Hodgson hinted at special celebrations to commemorate the milestone, reflecting on the league's growth in the UK.
"The NFL continues to go from strength to strength when it comes to playing games around the world. The commitment by the NFL to playing in the UK is real and lasting," Hodgson said.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell previously indicated the league would return to Ireland "in a few years," though no specific timeline has been set.
Schedule details to be announced in May
The dates and opponents for the 2026 international games will be confirmed during the NFL's full schedule release in May. The league's expansion reflects its ongoing efforts to grow its global fanbase while honoring its international roots.
