The National Football League (NFL) is further deepening its international foray starting in 2025. This action carries on a pattern that has emerged over the last twenty years. With a series of international games scheduled in various countries, the league aims to engage a growing global fanbase while promoting American football worldwide.
The NFL took a big step toward global expansion when it kicked off its International Series on October 28, 2007. In 2005, the first-ever international regular-season game was played in Mexico City. The Arizona Cardinals proved to be worthy competitors against the mighty San Francisco 49ers in a thrilling showdown. Since then, the league has successfully hosted games across multiple countries, with London emerging as a prominent venue, hosting a total of 42 regular-season games.
After London, Toronto is second on the list with six international games and Mexico City is third with five. The Jacksonville Jaguars have further assured themselves as frequent participants on the international stage. With 13 games in London since 2013, they’ve become the team with the most international appearances. The NFL has shown it’s serious about taking its game worldwide. It’s already staged matches in Scotland, Canada, Greece, and the United Arab Emirates.
Looking to the future, the NFL plans to add a first regular-season game in Australia in 2026 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Los Angeles Rams will become the first NFL team to play that historic challenge as the designated home team on the ground in Melbourne. This event is a great example of the league’s efforts to reach new markets and engage fans outside of North America, specifically in Australia.
In 2025, the NFL will touch down in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Look forward to one of the most exciting rivalries in football when the Kansas City Chiefs visit the Los Angeles Chargers on September 5! Among this year’s matchups, this pairing is especially unique. Latin music sensation Karol G will headline the halftime show, letting expectant fans know they’re in for a treat during the game itself.
The NFL will be playing regular-season games in Dublin, London, Berlin and Madrid by 2025. Soccer’s significant advance emphasizes the league’s deep commitment to growing its impact outside of the United States. Our most recent data shows an unprecedented increase in interest in the NFL in the last year. Canada, Mexico, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the Dominican Republic, the United Kingdom, Germany, Venezuela and Austria are all at the forefront of this exciting trend.
As the league continues to explore new markets and engage with international fans, it is clear that the NFL’s vision for global expansion is well underway. High-profile national matchups and amateur showcases are the recipe to a completely different fan experience. Beyond this, they confirm American football’s status on the global stage.
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