NFL

The NFL Is Going Global: Get Your Passports Ready

Justin Rimpi

Remember when the idea of the NFL playing a meaningful game outside the U.S. felt like a novelty? A little London excursion for a couple of teams, a fun sideshow to the main event back home. Well, those days are over. The NFL isn’t just dipping its toes in international waters anymore; it’s doing a full cannonball. And honestly, it’s about time.

The league is taking this show on the road, and it is not just the usual fish and chips in London. We are talking about a full-blown world tour. In 2025 alone, the league is planting its flag in five different countries. The season kicked off in São Paulo, Brazil, of all places, and is now hopping over to Dublin, Ireland. After that, it is a whirlwind European tour through the UK, Germany, and Spain. It is the most ambitious international schedule we’ve ever seen, and it signals a massive shift in how the NFL sees its own future.

Why Is the NFL Suddenly Obsessed With International Games?

It used to be like pulling teeth to get teams to give up a home game for an international trip. Now? NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says teams are practically lining up, volunteering to pack their bags. He was in Dublin recently, beaming about how teams like the Steelers were “pushing us very hard” to play in Ireland.

The reason is simple: the world is hungry for American football. According to Goodell, “Every time we play an international game, fans say they want more.” The league is listening. The goal is no longer just a few showcase games; it’s to make the NFL a legitimate global sport. The grand plan? Eventually, hit 16 international games a year, so every single team plays one. It’s a bold vision, but the momentum is undeniable.

What’s Next On the NFL’s World Tour?

If you think this year is big, just wait. The NFL has already announced a multi-year deal to play games in Rio de Janeiro, starting in 2026. They will be playing in the legendary Maracanã Stadium, a venue that screams history. Brazil is already the NFL’s second-biggest market outside the U.S., with over 36 million fans. Bringing games to Rio is less of a gamble and more of a guaranteed touchdown.

And they’re not stopping in South America. The league is heading Down Under in 2026, with a game set for Melbourne, Australia. Goodell has even hinted that Asia is on the radar. The NFL is playing the long game here. They see a world full of untapped potential, and they are not afraid to rack up some serious frequent flyer miles to reach it.

For fans, this means more football at all hours and a chance to see your team play in some of the coolest cities on the planet. For the players, it means some serious jet lag but also the opportunity to be ambassadors for the game. The NFL is no longer just America’s sport; it is taking over the world, one passport stamp at a time.

Justin has been a sportswriter for nearly a decade. He has previously written for 247 Sports an Sports Illustrated.

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