The wait is finally over for Detroit Lions fans craving international football. After more than a decade without a game overseas, the Lions are heading to Germany—and they'll face one of the most storied franchises in NFL history.
On Wednesday morning, NFL Network's Good Morning Football announced that Detroit will take on the New England Patriots at FC Bayern Munich Stadium on November 15, with kickoff set for 9:30 a.m. ET. It's a marquee matchup that adds serious star power to the Lions' international debut in Germany.
This game is part of the NFL's massive 2026 global expansion, which includes contests in Australia, Brazil, France, London, Mexico, and Spain—making Germany just one stop on a worldwide tour. For Detroit, it's a long-overdue return to the international stage. The Lions last played overseas in 2015, when they suffered a tough 45-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Wembley Stadium in London. Only the Dallas Cowboys have a longer active drought without an international game—and Dallas will finally break theirs this year in Rio de Janeiro.
Beyond the Germany showdown, Detroit's 2026 schedule is starting to take shape. The Lions are confirmed for a Thursday Night Football clash against the Buffalo Bills on September 17 (Week 2), which will mark Buffalo's first game at the newly opened Highmark Stadium. And, of course, the Lions will host their traditional Thanksgiving game in Week 12, though their opponent has yet to be revealed.
The full 2026 schedule for all 32 teams drops Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network, but for now, Lions fans have plenty to get excited about—especially with a personal connection to Germany that makes this trip feel destined.
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, whose mother grew up in Köln, has long dreamed of playing in the country he visits frequently and where he speaks fluent German. "It has been a dream of mine to play a game in my mother's home country of Germany since coming to the league," St. Brown said back in February. "I cannot wait to play in front of the incredible fans that I've gotten to know through my visits and football camps in the country. Their support for me and the country's instant connection to the Lions brand is inspiring, and I'm looking forward to our team getting to showcase Detroit football on an international scale."
Whether you're gearing up for game day in Munich or cheering from home, this is a season to mark on your calendar—and in your closet.