The NFL's 2026 schedule release promises an exciting year of international football, with nine games across four continents and seven countries. Here's a breakdown of the key matchups and their implications:
Australia: Rams vs. 49ers
- Location: Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Date: Week 1, September 10, 8:35 p.m. ET
- Significance: This high-profile NFC West rivalry game marks the NFL's Australian debut. The Rams, led by MVP candidate Matthew Stafford, aim to build on their NFC Championship run. The 49ers, with the return of key players like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, will look to keep up with Stafford's offense.
Brazil: Ravens vs. Cowboys
- Location: Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro
- Date: Week 3, September 27, 4:25 p.m. ET
- Commentary: A rare interconference clash between two playoff-bound teams. The Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, seek to avenge their 2024 loss to the Cowboys. Dallas, with a revamped defense, aims to even the score.
United Kingdom: Commanders vs. Colts
- Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
- Date: Week 4, October 4, 9:30 a.m. ET
- Analysis: Both teams are in need of bounce-back seasons after disappointing 2025 campaigns. The Commanders, led by Jayden Daniels, aim to build on their NFC Championship run. The Colts, with Daniel Jones back at quarterback, seek to rediscover their winning ways.
United Kingdom: Jaguars vs. Eagles
- Location: Wembley Stadium, London
- Date: Week 5, October 11, 9:30 a.m. ET
- Opinion: The Eagles' 16-year streak without playing the Jaguars in Jacksonville continues. This game marks the second meeting between the teams at Wembley. The Jaguars, led by Liam Coen, aim to build on their strong 2025 season, while the Eagles, seeking Super Bowl redemption, look to rediscover their offensive mojo.
United Kingdom: Jaguars vs. Texans
- Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
- Date: Week 6, October 18, 9:30 a.m. ET
- Insight: A crucial AFC South divisional matchup. The Jaguars, riding high after a franchise-best regular season, aim to continue their ascent. The Texans, seeking to break their Divisional Round drought, will look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.
France: Steelers vs. Saints
- Location: Stade de France, Paris
- Date: Week 7, October 25, 9:30 a.m. ET
- Speculation: The Steelers, with a quarterback situation in flux, face the Saints, who are led by the promising Tyler Shough. The game raises questions about the Steelers' future and the Saints' offensive potential.
Spain: Falcons vs. Bengals
- Location: Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
- Date: Week 9, November 8, 9:30 a.m. ET
- Reflection: A star-studded affair featuring young talent like Bijan Robinson and Joe Burrow. The Falcons, led by new head coach Kevin Stefanski, aim to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season. The Bengals, seeking playoff redemption, will look to build on their 2022 success.
Germany: Patriots vs. Lions
- Location: FC Bayern Munich Stadium, Munich
- Date: Week 10, November 15, 9:30 a.m. ET
- Perspective: A highly anticipated international game featuring two teams on the rise. The Patriots, led by Mike Vrabel and an MVP runner-up quarterback, aim to build on their Super Bowl run. The Lions, with a talented offense, seek to test New England's formidable defense.
Mexico: 49ers vs. Vikings
- Location: Estadio Banorte, Mexico City
- Date: Week 11, November 22, 8:20 p.m. ET
- Takeaway: The 49ers, led by Kyle Shanahan, return to Mexico for the first time since 2022. They face the Vikings, who have won their last two matchups. The 49ers, with the return of George Kittle, aim to build on their playoff success, while the Vikings, with a new quarterback, seek to continue their winning streak.
