Football international games: how they may affect the 2026 season
Pro football has been expanding into international markets since 2007, when it began its international series in London.
Football
By Sam Bloomquist
Now, the 2026 football international games schedule features the UK, Brazil, Germany, Australia, Spain and France this season. These games are often at different times than a typical Pro football game, and the travel can wear on the players if they don’t have the necessary accommodations.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Record nine international games in 2026
Early on in the International Series, there would be one, maybe two games in London each season. Now, there are a record nine total games played outside of the United States this season.
How do international games affect teams? The expansion of the International Series is continuous, and players and coaches will need to find strategies for dealing with the increased travel. Teams are also at the mercy of the schedule makers, because as of this year the Pro football league voted to remove the rule that allowed teams to protect two home games from being moved overseas.
Where are the 2026 international games being played?
- Australia: The second game of the season will take place in Melbourne in Week One, with San Francisco facing Los Angeles.
- Brazil: Rio de Janeiro will host Baltimore against Dallas in Week Three, marking Pro football’s third consecutive year in Brazil.
- UK: There are three football games in London in 2026. Indianapolis will face Washington in Week Four, Philadelphia will play Jacksonville in Week Five, and Jacksonville will face Houston in Week Six.
- France: Paris will stage its first Pro football game in Week Seven, with Pittsburgh facing New Orleans.
- Spain: Madrid will host Cincinnati against Atlanta.
- Germany: New England will play Detroit in Munich in Week 10.
- Mexico: The international schedule will conclude in Mexico City in Week 11, with Minnesota facing San Francisco.
How does the league assign international games?
The league has mandated that each team must host an international game at least once every 8-year cycle. Since Pro football moved to a 17-game regular season in 2021, half of the league has nine home games, and the other half only has eight every year.
The teams with the extra home game are all eligible to be selected as a host for one of the international games that season. Pro football works to make sure that all games are within the normal broadcasting windows and there is no international game travel impact on performance. They also coordinate teams with specific teams that own broadcasting rights in each country.
Which football teams carry the heaviest travel burden this season?
San Francisco
San Francisco has two international games this season and is expected to travel more miles than any other team.
One of those games is against a divisional rival, adding extra significance to an already demanding trip. San Francisco will travel to Australia early in the season before playing another international game in Mexico later in the year.
Jacksonville and Houston
Jacksonville will play two international games in back-to-back weeks, both in London. This is the third consecutive year the team has chosen this arrangement.
Staying in London between games may help Jacksonville adjust to the time zone and avoid another long journey. Houston, meanwhile, must travel from the US for the second game.
Dallas
Dallas has not played internationally since 2014 but will travel to Brazil in Week Three.
The travel burden extends beyond that game. Dallas will remain on the road the following week and will not return home until Week Five.
Minnesota
Minnesota’s international game comes during a difficult stretch of the schedule.
The team will travel directly from Green Bay to Mexico rather than returning home, adding another long journey during a run of demanding games.
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FAQs about football international games
Which teams are playing international games in 2026?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Dallas, Indianapolis, Washington, Philadelphia, Houston, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Atlanta, New England, Detroit and Minnesota.
Can teams decline international games?
Following a 2026 rule change, teams can no longer veto or block international game assignments.
How does the league choose which games are played internationally?
Participants are selected from the conference whose teams have nine home games that season.
Do teams get a bye week after an international game?
Teams can take their bye week after an international game or schedule it for later in the season.
How many international games can the league schedule per season?
The league can schedule up to 10 games abroad each season.
Does playing internationally cost a team a home game?
One participating team gives up a home game for each international matchup.
Where will Australia’s first regular-season football game take place?
First regular-season football game in Australia will take place in Melbourne.
How many international games are in London in 2026?
London will host three international games in 2026.
Does long-haul travel affect team performance in football?
Long journeys can increase fatigue and leave teams with less time to recover and prepare for their next game.
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