NFL Aims for Nine International Games in 2026

The NFL is seeking to add two more regular-season international games for 2026 to reach the nine-game maximum, which would consist of eight league-operated matchups plus the Jacksonville Jaguars’ annual London contest. Confirmed sites for 2026 include Melbourne (Australia), Mexico City and Brazil, with the Brazil game serving as the finale of a Rio commitment. The league is likely to retain U.K. games after this season’s slate of internationals in the U.K., Brazil, Germany, Ireland and Spain, though Ireland’s 2026 spot is uncertain. NFL senior vice president Gerrit Meier said the league is pushing toward the maximum and prioritizing long-term market commitments to build sustained fan engagement. Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in hosting a game but is not among the 21 countries with current NFL marketing rights, and Commissioner Roger Goodell has outlined a longer-term vision to expand to as many as 16 international games per season.