The roar of the crowd, the crack of the ball, and the energy of gridiron glory are making their way across the globe like never before and could be coming to a stadium near you in the coming months as we welcome the return of the NFL international Games for 2025.
Once again, the NFL will be making a bold leap into international territory, laying out a dazzling schedule of international NFL games to new continents and deepening the bond the sport has already formed with fans across the world. At the heart of the expansion lie the games being staged in London, Dublin, Berlin and Madrid - tournaments that promise not just thrilling athletic spectacle but also cultural resonance and historic importance.
Destination Dublin
In late September, Ireland steps onto the international NFL stage for the first time ever. Croke Park, steeped in Gaelic tradition and passion, will host the Minnesota Vikings facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4. This is not merely a game on a schedule; it's a symbolic nod to history, as the Steelers boast deep-rooted ties to Ireland through the Rooney family.
It's a moment of emotional gravity that transcends the usual competitive narrative. Imagine the intertwining of modern NFL spectacle with the storied turf of Croke Park-fans in green and gridiron stripes uniting to witness a new chapter of sporting history being made.
The London NFL Games 2025
Just one week later, the Vikings will be jetting off for the London NFL games where they will land at the gleaming Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. There, they'll clash with the Cleveland Browns in Week 5-making the Vikings one of the few teams to play back-to-back international NFL games.
London remains a beloved second home for the NFL on the back of international NFL matches in previous years, and this match adds to the storied tradition that has made the capital one of the most enduring international venues. Through decades of roller-coaster plays and unforgettable moments, London has become a cornerstone of the league's global identity.
The London NFL game narrative continues in Week 6, where Denver faces the New York Jets, again at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This extended London stop off gives the league the opportunity to cement its growing footprint in the United Kingdom-no longer a novelty but a regular feature on the NFL calendar.
Then, Week 7 brings another London showdown-but this time at the iconic Wembley Stadium. The Jacksonville Jaguars, continuing their long-standing tradition of hosting games in the UK capital, will match up against the Los Angeles Rams in what promises to be a spectacle rich with transatlantic flair. Wembley, with its legendary arches and capacity to awe even the most seasoned fans, will once again bear witness to the collision of American brutality and international celebration.
The Final Leg in Berlin & Madrid
As the calendar turns to November, Berlin will emerge as a new frontier for the NFL international game calendar. In Week 10, the Atlanta Falcons will face the Indianapolis Colts at Olympiastadion, marking the first-ever NFL regular-season game played in Berlin.
Germany has already hosted NFL games in Munich and Frankfurt, but Berlin holds unmatched historic and cultural weight. Hosting a game here is about more than route designs and offensive drives-it's about embracing Germany's rich sports legacy and building a deeper, continental connection.
The international tour reaches its crescendo in Week 11, in a setting that could not be more emblematic: the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, home to Real Madrid. Here, the Washington Commanders square off against the Miami Dolphins in Spain's first-ever regular-season NFL game.
The Bernabéu's grandeur, the fervor of Spanish fans, and the sense of debut all merge into an event that will reverberate far beyond the final whistle.
Reasons to Get Excited for the NFL International Games
The upcoming NFL International Games are more than just random matchups. These are the games which herald the start of a new era for a legion of fans. This is where traditions and novelty clash, and where American football meets a mosaic of global passion.
In London, the NFL will find itself in a familiar and passionate home away from home. However, In Dublin, Berlin and Madred, the NFL will look to take its first tentative steps into new markets with a view to inspiring new passions amongst an eager audience.
Wth seven games across five countries, the 2025 NFL International Games calendar is the most ambitious yet. Each venue offers a unique dimension: Croke Park's heritage, London's enduring welcome, Berlin's transformative potential, and Madrid's cinematic debut.
For British fans, the trio of games in London-the Browns vs. Vikings, Broncos vs. Jets, and Rams vs. Jaguars-continues to electrify October and strengthen a loyal following. For Germany and Spain, the games signal a new beginning for fans, one that promises sustained engagement and growth for the sport in different territories.
Of course, the NFL isn't naive enough to expect its upcoming international games to be enough in isolation to secure sustained fan support. It has planned a number of fan centric events on the run up to the matches. Madrid for instance will hold an NFL experience in the Plaza de Oriente on the 7th September - immersing Spanish fans in the sights, sounds and heart of one of America's leading sports with interactive exhibits, cultural displays and will even have the odd NFL legend on hand for meet and greets. It is these shared moments off the pitch which are just as important as those on it and will help anchor the NFL in the hearts and minds of its new fans around the world.