The NFL is going global in a big way for the 2026 season, with a record-breaking nine international games scheduled across seven different countries. This marks the league's most ambitious international slate yet, featuring some of the most exciting matchups and marquee teams from last season's playoffs.
The action kicks off with a historic Week 1 showdown in Australia, where the NFL will play its first-ever game Down Under. The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams will face off at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground, a venue with a capacity of nearly 100,000 that dates back to 1853. This Thursday night clash is not just a battle of NFC West rivals—both teams made the playoffs last season, making it a must-watch from the start. The game will be streamed exclusively on Netflix, so fans around the world can tune in.
One of the most intriguing matchups brings the Dallas Cowboys back to the international stage for the first time since 2014, when they played in London against the Jaguars. This time, they'll face the Baltimore Ravens in a game that pits two of the league's most recognizable franchises against each other. Both teams missed the playoffs last season but are expected to bounce back, and with Lamar Jackson's electric playmaking and the Cowboys' star-studded roster, this is a game you won't want to miss.
The Washington Commanders are heading overseas for the second straight season, following their trip to Madrid last year. They'll take on the Indianapolis Colts in London, marking Washington's first game in the British capital since a 27-27 tie with the Bengals back in 2016. The Colts are making their second consecutive European appearance after a 31-25 win last season, so they'll be looking to keep that momentum going across the pond.
This season's international series also includes a groundbreaking game in Paris, France, where the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the New Orleans Saints. It's the first NFL game ever played in the City of Light, and with two passionate fan bases and historic franchises, it promises to be a memorable event. The NFL's expansion into new markets like Paris and Australia shows just how far the league's reach has grown, and with more international games planned for future seasons, this is only the beginning.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love the excitement of football in new settings, this year's international slate offers something for everyone. From the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground to the streets of Paris, the NFL is bringing the game to the world—and we can't wait to see how it all unfolds.