London Calling: Washington Commanders Heading Across the Pond For 2026 NFL Season
Pack your bags and brush up on your British slang, because the Washington Commanders are heading back to London. Again. This time, they’ll be taking their talents to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2026, marking their third international adventure in what’s becoming a delightfully globe-trotting franchise tradition.
The Commanders’ International Track Record
The Commanders’ international game history is mixed. They’re sitting at a perfectly balanced 1-1 record overseas. Their first foray into foreign soil came back in 2016 when they squared off against the Cincinnati Bengals at the legendary Wembley Stadium. That game ended in a 27-27 tie, which is basically the NFL equivalent of a participation trophy.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Commanders made their way to Madrid, Spain—the first regular-season NFL game ever played in that country. They faced the Miami Dolphins at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid’s soccer dynasty. Unfortunately, that one didn’t go quite as planned, and Washington walked away with an L.
Why London? Why Now?
The NFL has been running its International Series since 2007, when the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals kicked things off at Wembley Stadium. Since then, the league has been aggressively pushing football into international markets like a door-to-door salesman who won’t take no for an answer. As of 2025, all 32 NFL teams now have marketing rights abroad.
The 2026 London game is part of an absolutely bonkers nine-game international slate that will span four continents, seven countries, and eight stadiums. For the Commanders, this trip represents more than just another game on the schedule. According to team Managing Partner Josh Harris, it’s about connecting with fans on a global scale and building the brand beyond the borders of the DMV. After their experience in Madrid, Harris gushed about the “passion of fans” and called it “truly special.”
The Jaguars: London’s Favorite American Export
Speaking of international games, we’d be remiss not to mention the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are basically London’s unofficial NFL franchise at this point. The Jags will also be playing in London in 2026. One at Wembley Stadium and another at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This will mark their 15th trip to London since 2013, making them the most well-traveled team in the league with 14 total international appearances. The Miami Dolphins are a distant second with seven.
The Jaguars have built something special across the pond. They’ve got a dedicated fanbase, a multi-year contract with the UK, and enough frequent flyer miles to make most airline executives jealous. Head Coach Liam Coen even called London their “home away from home,” which is probably the nicest thing anyone has ever said about Jacksonville’s international ventures.
Final Thoughts
The Commanders are London-bound in 2026, and while we don’t have all the details yet, one thing is certain: it’s going to be a memorable trip. Whether they come home with a win or another tie, the experience of playing in front of international fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be one for the books.
