The National Football League is making significant strides in its international expansion, with recent games in Dublin, Ireland, and upcoming plans for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These initiatives underscore the league's commitment to broadening its global footprint and engaging with fans worldwide.
On September 28, 2025, the NFL hosted its first-ever regular-season game in Dublin, where the Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 24-21 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The game attracted 7.9 million viewers, marking it as the second most-watched international game in NFL Network history. This event also saw a 68% increase in viewership compared to the NFL Network’s average for international games in 2024.
The success of the Dublin game has paved the way for further international engagements. The NFL has announced plans to host at least three regular-season games in Rio de Janeiro over the next five years, beginning in 2026. These games will be held at the historic Maracanã Stadium, a venue renowned for hosting major global events. This expansion into Brazil, a country with over 36 million NFL fans, highlights the league's dedication to growing its presence in South America.
In addition to these international games, the NFL is strengthening its presence in Europe. The league has appointed Rafael de los Santos as the Director of NFL Spain. De los Santos, a Madrid native with experience in companies like AWS, Real Madrid CF, and Microsoft-Xbox, will lead the development and expansion of the NFL in Spain. This appointment coincides with the first official regular-season game in Madrid, scheduled for November 16 between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
These international initiatives reflect the NFL's strategic efforts to engage with a broader global audience, fostering a more inclusive and diverse fan base. By hosting games in iconic venues and appointing dedicated regional directors, the league aims to build lasting connections with fans across the globe.
As the NFL continues to expand its international presence, fans worldwide can look forward to more opportunities to experience the excitement of American football firsthand, whether through live games or enhanced digital content tailored to their regions.
