---
title: "NFL's 2026 overseas slate hits nine games, eyes London franchise"
description: "Record nine-game international schedule signals league's push for permanent European team by decade's end."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/nfl-announces-nine-overseas-games-mp48dw9e
published: 2026-05-13T14:37:02+00:00
updated: 2026-05-13T16:41:17.822+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["football"]
---

# NFL's 2026 overseas slate hits nine games, eyes London franchise

> Record nine-game international schedule signals league's push for permanent European team by decade's end.

The NFL announced a record nine regular-season games for its 2026 international slate, the largest overseas schedule in league history.

Games will be staged in London, Munich, Mexico City, and São Paulo, with teams including the Bears, Packers, Chiefs, and Eagles among those traveling.

This marks a significant escalation from the 2025 slate of five games, underscoring the league's commitment to global growth.

The 2026 schedule doubles down on established markets while expanding reach.

London gets multiple games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley, Munich returns after a successful 2022 debut, and Mexico City and São Paulo continue to host regular-season action.

The NFL has not yet assigned specific matchups, but the roster of participating teams includes marquee franchises designed to draw international audiences.

For fans, the trade-off is clear: more early-morning kickoffs from Europe and late-night windows from South America.

But the league's calculus is about long-term revenue and fanbase development.

Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly floated the idea of a permanent international franchise, and this slate provides the operational test bed for logistics, travel, and market demand.

What's next: Expect the NFL to announce specific matchups and kickoff times later this year.

The 2026 schedule will likely serve as a final proof of concept before a formal vote on a London-based franchise, possibly as early as 2027.

## Why this matters

Nine overseas games is a record for the NFL, signaling that international markets are no longer a novelty but a core part of the league's business strategy. For fans, it means more inconvenient kickoff times but also a genuine path to a London or Munich franchise within the decade. The league is stress-testing logistics, travel, and fan engagement to build a case for permanent expansion beyond North America.

## Frequently asked

### Which teams are playing overseas in 2026?

The Bears, Packers, Chiefs, and Eagles are among the teams slated to travel, though specific matchups haven't been announced yet.

### Where will the 2026 overseas games be played?

Games are scheduled in London (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley), Munich, Mexico City, and São Paulo.

### Why is the NFL expanding its international slate?

To grow global fanbases and test operational feasibility for a permanent international franchise, likely in London, within the decade.

### How many overseas games did the NFL play before 2026?

The 2025 slate had five games. The jump to nine in 2026 represents the largest single-season international schedule in league history.

## Sources & Citations

- [NFL announces nine overseas games](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nfl/article/nfl-announces-nine-overseas-games/) — TheNewsAPI.com (2026-05-13)

---

Cite: NFL's 2026 overseas slate hits nine games, eyes London franchise. Sportopod, 2026-05-13. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/nfl-announces-nine-overseas-games-mp48dw9e