Report: NFL to return to Madrid in 2026

Field Level Media|published: Sat 24th January, 13:12 2026

Nov 16, 2025; Madrid, Spain; Fans watch action between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders in the fourth quarter during the 2025 NFL Madrid Game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The NFL intends to return to Spain in 2026 with a game at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium, The Athletic reported Saturday.

Negotiations are underway for the 2026 season with plans to put more games in Madrid beyond next season, per the report.

The stadium hosted one of seven NFL international games in 2025. On Nov. 16, the Miami Dolphins edged the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime in the NFL's first game at the Bernabeu.

In 2025, the NFL played three games in London, one in Berlin, one in Dublin and one in Sao Paolo, in addition to Madrid.

As of December, the NFL had announced international games would be played in 2026 in Melbourne, sending the league to Australia for the first time; Rio de Janeiro; London; Mexico City; and Munich. More games were expected to be added to the schedule.

--Field Level Media

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