The National Football League is making significant strides in expanding its global footprint, with plans to return to Mexico City in 2026 and the introduction of professional flag football leagues ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed the league's return to Mexico City during the Leaders in Sport conference in London. The games are scheduled to take place at Estadio Azteca, which is undergoing renovations to meet FIFA standards for the 2026 World Cup. The stadium is expected to reopen in early 2026 after a multi-year overhaul. The NFL had paused its games in Mexico due to construction that started after the 2022 season, with the last game there being a Monday Night Football matchup where the San Francisco 49ers beat the Arizona Cardinals. Established as a venue for NFL games since 2005—the first regular-season game held outside the U.S.—Estadio Azteca has held multiple games over the years. Renovations include upgraded player and hospitality facilities, and adjusted seating aligned with World Cup requirements. Details such as game dates, participating teams, and broadcast plans for the 2026 matchup will be announced later.
In addition to the return to Mexico City, the NFL is set to launch professional men's and women's flag football leagues within the next few years. This initiative aims to promote the sport ahead of its debut as an Olympic event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Commissioner Goodell emphasized the league's commitment to growing flag football as a way to engage younger audiences and build a scalable infrastructure, from youth leagues to professional levels. The initiative is seeing increasing interest from colleges and universities globally. Additionally, Goodell confirmed that the NFL will return to Mexico City in 2026 after renovations at Azteca Stadium. This season, the league is hosting a record seven international games, predominantly in Europe, with Brazil also participating. Plans are underway to expand to 16 international games, including new ventures in Asia and a confirmed game in Australia next season. Both Goodell and Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam highlighted football’s role in uniting communities amid global and political divisions, stressing the positive social impact of sports.
These developments reflect the NFL's ongoing efforts to broaden its global reach and foster the growth of American football worldwide. The return to Mexico City and the introduction of flag football leagues are strategic moves to engage international audiences and promote the sport's inclusivity and accessibility. As the league continues to expand its international presence, fans can look forward to more opportunities to experience NFL games and events in their local communities.
The NFL's commitment to international expansion is also evident in its plans to host a regular-season game in Berlin in 2025. This match will be the fifth regular-season game in Germany, following previous games in Munich and Frankfurt since 2022. In collaboration with the Berlin Senate, the NFL aims to promote and develop flag football in Berlin's schools and clubs, in line with its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell highlighted Berlin's historical connection with American football, including past preseason games and NFL Europe's Berlin Thunder. This game in Berlin is part of an expanded international game roster, approved to increase from four to eight games starting in 2025, with other games already planned for London and Madrid. The full list of international game hosts and participating teams for 2025 will be announced later.
As the NFL continues to expand its international presence, fans worldwide can look forward to more opportunities to engage with the sport and experience the excitement of NFL games in their local communities.
