The NFL’s 2026 regular-season schedule drops on Thursday, but the league has already begun teasing nine international games set for next season. As the countdown to the official release continues, here’s everything we know so far about the league’s global slate for 2026.
NFL Schedule Release Week: What to Expect
On Thursday, the NFL will officially release the full 2026 regular-season schedule. In the days leading up to the announcement, the league has been gradually revealing select international games, offering fans a sneak peek at next season’s global matchups.
All 9 International Games for the 2026 NFL Season
The NFL has allocated nine slots for international games in 2026, with the first matchup already confirmed. Below is the full list of confirmed international games, including dates, opponents, and locations:
Week 1: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams (Melbourne, Australia)
The first international game of the 2026 season will feature a West Coast rivalry when the San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. This will mark the first NFL regular-season game played on the continent.
Due to the time difference, the game will kick off at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, September 11, which translates to 8:35 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, September 10. The early start is a result of the Seahawks beginning their season on a Wednesday to accommodate the international matchup.
Week 3: Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
The NFL returns to Rio de Janeiro in late September, where the Baltimore Ravens will take on the Dallas Cowboys at the Maracanã Stadium on Sunday, September 27.
Week 9: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons (Madrid, Spain)
The NFL will once again visit Spain in 2026, following the league’s first-ever regular-season game in the country in 2025. The Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons are set to face off in Week 9 on Sunday, November 8, at a venue in Madrid. The game will air on NFL Network.
"An international game update from the @Disney upfront: the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons will play week 9, Sunday, Nov. 8, in Madrid, Spain on NFL Network."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter), May 12, 2026
Other International Games in 2026:
- Jacksonville Jaguars – Two games in London, including one at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- Washington Commanders – One game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
- Detroit Lions – One game at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
- San Francisco 49ers – One game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
- New Orleans Saints – One game in Paris.
Stay tuned as this story will be updated with any additional details as the NFL continues to unveil the 2026 schedule.
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