These two NFL teams could be heading to Madrid as league makes 2026 plans official
Following last year’s packed stadium, the NFL confirms plans to bring American football back to Spain next season.
The NFL, the world’s richest sports league, is heading back to Spain. The league officially announced Monday that it will return to Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in 2026, following the success of its first official game in the country last November. The announcement was first reported by AS two weeks ago and now becomes official, with expectations that the league may also play in Madrid in 2027, marking the first multi-year agreement for an NFL game in Spain.
Record crowd and rave reviews
The news was confirmed with a short video on social media and an official photo release, though the success of the Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders matchup three months ago had already made it widely anticipated. That day, the Bernabéu hosted 78,610 fans from across Spain, Europe, and the world, leaving a strong impression on the league.
“Expect to see more NFL games in Spain. We’re very happy here,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told AS minutes before the kickoff. He added afterward, “It’s been amazing. The hospitality, the community, the unity you see here… it’s extraordinary.”
Super Bowl week spotlight
This Monday, in San Francisco, where the NFL kicks off Super Bowl week ahead of Sunday’s New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks game, the league’s Spain plans are sure to be a talking point. Peter O’Reilly, head of international expansion, will address the topic at the Super Bowl welcome press conference, followed by Goodell in his traditional season wrap-up briefing. Two days later, NFL Spain director Rafa De los Santos will arrive in San Francisco to further strengthen the league’s growing presence in the country.
Spain’s key role in NFL international strategy
The NFL continues to expand globally, and Spain has emerged as a significant hub. With this announcement, Madrid joins Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London (hosting two games), and Munich as confirmed cities for regular-season games in 2026.
Last year, the NFL approved a maximum of eight international games per season (excluding Jacksonville’s London games). Strong candidates for future expansion include Paris, Mexico City, and Dublin, with league officials considering increasing the total to 16 games so every team eventually plays at least once abroad.
Bernabéu secures its place as NFL home in Spain
Like the first game, the Bernabéu is set to remain Spain’s NFL stadium despite competition from other venues such as Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano. Barcelona’s Camp Nou has also held talks for potential future games.
Several details are still pending, including the exact date, which is likely to fall during an international break in soccer to ensure full stadium availability and media attention. Team selection is also under consideration.
Madrid Game 2026 contenders
NFC teams with an extra home game this season are early candidates, including the Chicago Bears, who have long invested in Spain as part of the league’s international marketing plan. For AFC representation, the Kansas City Chiefs have publicly expressed interest in playing in Spain next year.
The NFL’s relationship with Spain is officially renewed and set to grow, signaling the start of a long-term international partnership.
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