Who runs the world? The NFL. Since 2007, the NFL has been in its global domination era, looking beyond the American borders to spread the gospel of football far and wide. Just like Beyonce’s song, “Run the World (Girls)”, the NFL has made its intentions clear that it, too, is here to take over. From its inaugural international game in Mexico City to its most recent expansion to São Paulo, Brazil, this expansion isn’t just about throwing a few games overseas for fun. It’s about cultivating new football-crazed international fan bases, creating global commercial opportunities, and making the sport more prominent than ever. With passionate soccer cultures, historic stadiums, and fans eager for a taste of helmet-clashing, fourth-quarter drama, the NFL’s worldwide takeover is in full swing!
Where’s the NFL headed in 2025?
In the upcoming 2025 season, fans can look forward to games in Brazil, Spain, Ireland, London, and Germany.
Brazil: This season, the Los Angeles Chargers will head down to Brazil on September 5, marking their fourth international appearance. Brazil is home to more than 36 million fans, the second-largest international fan base after Mexico, and these fans make sure to bring the energy on game days! Maybe we will even get some carnival-inspired pre-game fits!
Courtesy of the Los Angeles Chargers
Spain: Madrid's iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium will host its first NFL regular-season game, with the Miami Dolphins designated as the home team. Will there be a flamenco-inspired touchdown celebration? One can only hope!
Courtesy of Sports Travel
Ireland: For Ireland's inaugural NFL regular-season game, the Steelers will travel to the land of Guinness and play at Dublin's Croke Park, renowned for its rich sporting history. Time to trade the pigskin for a pint!
Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Germany: The Indianapolis Colts will head over to Germany to play in Berlin! If last year’s sold-out games in Frankfurt and Munich were any indication, Berlin is about to go crazy for the Colts.
Courtesy of the Indianapolis Colts
London: Hello, London! (said in my best British accent). This season, the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Jacksonville Jaguars are all scheduled to play in London at both Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur stadiums.
Courtesy of the NFL
And the best part? There are still more teams to be announced for these matchups. The hype is real—stay tuned for who’s suiting up abroad!
Gameday Vibes, But Make It International
Madrid: Home of the Real Madrid soccer club (aka football with your feet!), Madrid is a vibrant sports city with a vast appreciation for all sports - most notably European football, cycling, marathons, and now American football! Gameday in Madrid is going to bring the energy; expect fiesta-like celebrations for the inaugural Madrid International game! The city will also be exciting to explore, and spectators can immerse themselves in Madrid’s rich history and culture.
Courtesy of Jesus Troyano/Real Madrid/Real Madrid via Getty Images
São Paulo: Brazil is already home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the world, and when the NFL comes to São Paulo, expect that same electrifying energy. Imagine Carnival meets NFL. Gamedays will be a full-on spectacle, filled with samba beats, tailgates infused with Brazilian barbecue, and an atmosphere as fiery as a Copa Libertadores final.
Courtesy of The Rio Times
Berlin: With a history of hosting NFL International games, Berliners know how to bring the hype! The city's passionate fan base creates an electric atmosphere, blending American football traditions with European sports enthusiasm. From packed fan zones and tailgate-style gatherings to lively chants echoing through the streets, Berlin transforms into a gridiron hotspot whenever the NFL comes to town.
Courtesy of the Indianapolis Colts
Dublin: The Irish may call it Gaelic football, but when the NFL lands in Dublin, you can bet the locals will bring their legendary pub atmosphere straight to the stadium. Picture pre-game pints in Temple Bar, live Irish music spilling into the streets, and a crowd that’s ready to cheer as fiercely as they would at a Six Nations rugby match. The mix of American football and Irish hospitality is a recipe for a gameday experience unlike any other - one where you’ll leave with new friends, unforgettable memories, and maybe a newfound love for Irish sports culture.
Courtesy of Matt Cashore-Imagn Images
London: Last season, we got some of our favorite viral moments from the London series: Minnesota Vikings players Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus recreated some iconic London-based dance scenes. One thing you can always expect from London games is energy!
Courtesy of Sky Sports
The Business Play
Beyond the flashy stadiums and sold-out crowds, there’s a serious business side to the NFL’s global takeover.
Expand Revenue Streams - For the NFL, the international market is an untapped gold mine for merchandise, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship deals. Looks like Roger Goodell has his eyes set on global domination; more fans = more money!
Global Markets Program - This program plans to let teams claim specific countries for marketing rights (like the Chiefs in Germany and the Dolphins in Spain), further deepening international engagement.
Growing Fan Base - With over 100 million NFL fans worldwide, the league sees massive potential in markets like Europe and South America. Sports-loving international fans are already ready to embrace the NFL.
Future Expansion Teams - There are already rumors about the NFL having a permanent international team, like the Jacksonville Jaguars relocating overseas.
What’s Next?
In 2026, Australia will be home to the latest addition to international NFL games, with the Los Angeles Rams set as the home team. Time to bring a little thunder down under!
So, if you thought football was just America’s game, think again. The NFL is making one thing clear: Wherever there’s a field, a ball, and a crowd ready to scream their lungs out - football belongs.
Edited by Elle Chavis
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