Falcons Become 8th Team with 2026 International Game
The NFL’s 2026 international schedule continues to expand.
The latest team to be named for a game outside United States borders is the Atlanta Falcons.
That also means more teams know they are potentially going overseas to play them.
Where will the Falcons play their international game?
The home of Real Madrid C.F., Bernabéu, will host the Falcons and a team to be named later.
The game is part of a multi-year partnership with the city of Madrid, and it will represent a historic moment according to Rafa de los Santos, NFL Country Manager.
“I’m sure the Falcons will enjoy competing in such an iconic stadium as the Bernabéu, in one of the world’s great sporting capitals, Madrid, and that fans will once again experience firsthand the intensity, speed, and talent that make the NFL unique,” de los Santos said in a press release. “The passion for the NFL in Spain is at an all‑time high.”
This will be the second game played in the stadium after it hosted the Miami Dolphins’ 16-13 overtime win over the Washington Commanders last season. More than 78,000 attended that game.
READ MORE: History was made early at the NFL Scouting Combine
Who will the Falcons play in Madrid?
Although the full NFL schedule — including dates and times — has not been released, the Falcons’ opponents have already been determined by the league’s scheduling formula.
Atlanta is set to host the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Detroit Loins, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs this season.
Of those teams, the Bears and Chiefs have international marketing rights in Spain, so they could be the top candidates.
On top of that, the 49ers, Saints and Lions already have international games scheduled, so they are probably out.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of an NFL regular season game in Madrid at the iconic Bernabéu,” Falcons president and CEO Greg Beadles said in a release. “Atlanta and Madrid are a fitting match as we will host two of Spain’s group stage matches in the upcoming FIFA World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.”
The club is looking forward to further developing its connection with fans in Europe while making its fourth trip overseas in six seasons.
“On behalf of our entire organization, we are excited to experience Spain’s rich culture and to collaborate with outstanding partners including Real Madrid C.F., the city of Madrid, and the Comunidad de Madrid,” Beadles added. “The Falcons are honored to play a role in advancing the NFL’s international growth.”
RELATED: Here is the ultimate flask for international NFL fans
The NFL plans to release the full schedule, including game date and kickoff time, this spring.
The Falcons have played five games outside the United States, including four in Europe. They played in Toronto in 2013, London in ’14, ’21 and ’23 and Berlin in ’25.
The team’s official travel program will offer a complete package for fans interested in making the trip to Madrid. That will include flights, hotel, exclusive events, a meet-and-greet with former players and the game day experience.
The Falcons play the Panthers, Saints and Buccs as divisional foes and draw the Bears and Lions and Ravens and Bengals as part of cross-divisional play. The 49ers and the Chiefs are on the slate because like the Falcons they finished third in their division in 2025.
More on NFL International Games
The NFL has scheduled a record nine international games for the 2026 season.
Games will be played on four continents in seven different countries and utilizing eight stadiums.
The game in Spain will be one of six in Europe:
- Madrid, Spain (Bernabéu)
- Munich, Germany (FC Bayern Munich Stadium)
- Paris, France* (Stade de France Stadium)
- London, U.K. (Two games in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and one in Wembley Stadium)
The NFL will also hold games in Mexico City, Mexico (Estadio Banorte), Melbourne, Australia (Melbourne Cricket Ground) and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (Maracanã Stadium).
The Jaguars are set to play two games in London against teams TBD. The Commanders also will play in London this fall while the Lions are going to Munich and the Saints will play in Paris.
The 49ers and Rams will play the Australia game while the Cowboys will be one of the teams in Rio, and the 49ers are scheduled to play in Mexico City.
Paris, Rio de Janeiro and Melbourne represent new markets for the league.