If you’ve been following the NFL over the past few years, you’ve probably noticed the league has put a major focus on looking beyond U.S. borders. 

In 2025, they're taking another massive step toward making American football a global phenomenon. The schedule includes two new host countries plus a return to international hotspots like Germany, Brazil, and the U.K. 

So what’s fueling this push? 

New Host Countries and Cities

This year, the Miami Dolphins will march into Madrid’s legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, marking the NFL’s first regular-season contest in Spain. 

Imagine the roar of a European soccer cathedral echoing with football chants — if that doesn’t excite you, I don’t know what will. Over in Ireland, the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to take the field at Dublin’s Croke Park, giving Irish fans their first taste of live NFL action. 

Talk about a bucket-list sports experience.

Returning to Familiar Territory

While Madrid and Dublin might be fresh additions, the league hasn’t forgotten about its other international outposts. 

The Indianapolis Colts head to Berlin’s Olympiastadion, a venue that’s already seen its fair share of history — now it’ll add NFL football to the list. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers return to São Paulo, building on a successful outing in Brazil last year. And of course, the NFL’s longstanding relationship with London continues as the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Jacksonville Jaguars all host games there. 

It’s almost tradition at this point — British fans have come to expect (and passionately support) a slate of American football showdowns each season.

The Bigger Vision

So, why is the NFL going all-in on international expansion? Commissioner Roger Goodell has made it clear he wants up to eight international games per season. The ultimate goal is to grow the NFL’s already substantial global fan base and cement its status as a worldwide sports powerhouse. 

A lot of this also comes down to financials — new markets mean new revenue streams, fresh sponsorships, and more eyes glued to TV screens (or phone screens, if we’re being honest about how people watch these days).

A Bit of History

It’s worth remembering that the NFL didn’t just wake up one day and decide to scatter games across the globe. The league has been slowly building toward this since 2007, when London hosted its first regular-season matchup. 

Over time, Mexico, Germany, and even Australia joined the conversation. The 2025 push to Spain and Ireland shows the momentum is picking up speed. If you’re looking ahead, there’s already talk of a Melbourne game in 2026. Clearly, the league isn’t afraid to keep expanding until they’ve planted a football flag on every continent.

The NFL’s Global Playbook is Just Getting Started

Ultimately, the 2025 season proves there’s more to the NFL’s plans than flashy exhibitions. By stepping onto fields in Madrid, Dublin, Berlin, and beyond, the league is showing that international expansion isn’t just a corporate buzzword — it’s a long-term mission to introduce football to fans who’ve never experienced its full-throttle excitement. 

It’s an investment that goes beyond ticket sales, trying to build genuine local interest, community outreach, and maybe even a future wave of international players stepping into the draft.

That global vision comes with its share of risks and logistical hurdles, but it’s also a step toward making the NFL a true worldwide force in sports. Fans from São Paulo to London are already embracing teams as if they were hometown favorites, proving there’s an appetite for American football far from American soil. 

With the league adding more destinations each year, it’s becoming clear this expansion train won’t be slowing down any time soon — and the real winners are the fans who get to see their favorite teams in iconic stadiums around the world.