The NFL's 2026 schedule is set, and it's a global affair! The league is taking its show on the road, with nine international games across four continents and seven countries. From Australia to Spain, and even a return to Mexico, the NFL is expanding its reach and offering fans around the world a chance to see their favorite teams in action. But which games are the most intriguing? Let's take a closer look at some of the key matchups and what they mean for the league and its fans.
The International Showcase
The NFL's international games are a chance for the league to showcase its product to new audiences and grow its global fan base. With games in Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Spain, the NFL is reaching new markets and offering fans a unique experience. But which games are the most exciting? Let's take a closer look at some of the key matchups.
Week 1: Rams vs. 49ers in Melbourne
The NFL kicks off its international schedule in style with a matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. This game is a big deal for several reasons. Firstly, it's the league's debut in Australia, and the Rams are a powerhouse team with a star-studded roster. Secondly, it's a high-profile matchup between two NFC West rivals and 2025 playoff teams. The 49ers, led by Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey, will be looking to keep up with the Rams' Matthew Stafford and Kyren Williams. This game is sure to be a thrilling showcase of NFL talent and a great introduction to the league for Australian fans.
Week 3: Ravens vs. Cowboys in Brazil
The NFL returns to Brazil for a third straight year with a matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys. This game is an interconference matchup, and it's an uncommon one at that. The Ravens and Cowboys have only played each other seven times, with Baltimore holding a 6-1 record over Dallas. The game will be a chance for the Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, to even the score against the Cowboys, who are backed by a revamped defense. This game is sure to be a thrilling showcase of NFL talent and a great opportunity for Brazilian fans to see some of the league's best players in action.
Week 4: Commanders vs. Colts in London
The NFL's three-week stay in the United Kingdom continues with a matchup between the Washington Commanders and the Indianapolis Colts. Both teams are in desperate need of bounce-back campaigns, and both are returning to Europe for a second straight year. The Commanders, led by Jayden Daniels, are looking to build on their Cinderella story from 2024, while the Colts, led by Daniel Jones, are hoping to get back on track after a disappointing 2025 season. This game is sure to be a thrilling showcase of NFL talent and a great opportunity for UK fans to see some of the league's best players in action.
Week 5: Eagles vs. Jaguars in London
The Philadelphia Eagles haven't traveled to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars since 2010, and that streak is now destined to extend beyond the 2026 season. Instead, the Eagles will visit the Jags' home away from home: London. This game is a chance for the Eagles, led by Nick Sirianni, to face off against the Jaguars, led by Liam Coen. The Jaguars are looking to build off a statement 13-4 season, while the Eagles are hoping to rediscover their mojo after a Super Bowl defense that failed them last year. This game is sure to be a thrilling showcase of NFL talent and a great opportunity for UK fans to see some of the league's best players in action.
Week 6: Jaguars vs. Texans in London
The Jacksonville Jaguars will remain in London for back-to-back tilts, only this time they'll be leaving Wembley behind and taking the tube to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a vital divisional matchup with the Houston Texans. The Jaguars and Texans have taken turns capturing the AFC South since 2022, and last season they split their series, each winning a game by seven points. The Jaguars, led by Liam Coen, are looking to build on their second-best regular season in franchise history, while the Texans, led by C.J. Stroud, are hoping to get back on track after a disappointing 2025 season. This game is sure to be a thrilling showcase of NFL talent and a great opportunity for UK fans to see some of the league's best players in action.
Week 7: Steelers vs. Saints in Paris
The NFL's debut in Dublin last year was a success, and the league is returning to Europe with a matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints in Paris. The Steelers' quarterback situation remains a mystery, with youngsters Will Howard and Drew Allar in house, and the seemingly annual quandary of what Aaron Rodgers will do carries on. The Saints, led by Tyler Shough, are looking to build on an impressive rookie campaign. This game is sure to be a thrilling showcase of NFL talent and a great opportunity for French fans to see some of the league's best players in action.
Week 9: Falcons vs. Bengals in Madrid
The NFL is returning to Madrid for the league's second trip to Spain with a matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Falcons, led by Bijan Robinson, are looking to propel Atlanta back to prominence after an 8-9 2025 campaign, while the Bengals, led by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, are aiming for a rebound after a disappointing 6-11 season. This game is sure to be a thrilling showcase of NFL talent and a great opportunity for Spanish fans to see some of the league's best players in action.
Week 10: Patriots vs. Lions in Munich
The NFL is subbing out a trip to the Motor City for Munich with a matchup between the New England Patriots and the Detroit Lions. The Patriots, led by Drake Maye, are looking to build on a impressive 2024 season, while the Lions, led by Jared Goff, are hoping to get back on track after a disappointing 2025 season. This game is sure to be a thrilling showcase of NFL talent and a great opportunity for German fans to see some of the league's best players in action.
Week 11: 49ers vs. Vikings in Mexico City
The NFL's final international offering of the year is a matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings in Mexico City. The 49ers, led by Kyle Shanahan, are looking to build on a successful 2022 international game in Mexico, while the Vikings, led by Kevin O'Connell, are hoping to get back on track after a disappointing 2025 season. This game is sure to be a thrilling showcase of NFL talent and a great opportunity for Mexican fans to see some of the league's best players in action.
The Takeaway
The NFL's 2026 schedule is a global affair, and it's a chance for the league to showcase its product to new audiences and grow its global fan base. With games in Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Spain, the NFL is reaching new markets and offering fans a unique experience. But which games are the most intriguing? From the high-profile matchup between the Rams and 49ers in Melbourne to the interconference matchup between the Ravens and Cowboys in Brazil, there's something for everyone. So, mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and get ready for some thrilling NFL action around the world!
