The NFL is heading back to Madrid - and this time, it’s not just a one-off. The league has officially locked in a multiyear agreement with the City of Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, and Real Madrid C.F., ensuring that regular-season football will return to the Spanish capital starting with the 2026 season.
This move cements the NFL’s growing international footprint and builds on the momentum from this past November, when Madrid hosted its first-ever NFL game at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. That debut matchup between the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders delivered fireworks, going to overtime in front of nearly 80,000 fans.
It wasn’t just a game - it was a statement. And now, it’s clear that the NFL sees Spain as more than just a novelty stop on the global tour.
“This multi-year commitment to playing games in Madrid - a world-class global cultural and sporting destination - underlines our commitment to the market and enables us to continue to engage fans year-round and invest long-term in initiatives like NFL Flag and youth participation nationwide,” said NFL Spain Country Manager Rafa De Los Santos.
In other words, this isn’t just about one game a year. It’s about laying roots.
The NFL is betting on Spain - not just for ticket sales, but for fan development, youth engagement, and long-term brand growth. With Real Madrid’s world-famous Bernabéu as the backdrop, the league is positioning itself at the intersection of American football and global sports culture.
Madrid now joins a growing list of international hosts as the league expands its global presence. Seven regular-season games are scheduled to be played abroad next season, with Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Munich, and Madrid each hosting one, while London - the veteran of the international series - will host three.
The response from fans has been mixed, as expected. Many celebrated the news, calling it a smart and strategic move that signals the NFL’s deeper commitment to Europe.
The Bernabéu, after all, isn’t just another stadium - it’s a global icon, and putting the NFL on that stage sends a clear message: the league isn’t just visiting Europe anymore. It’s moving in.
One fan put it succinctly: “This isn’t about one game. It’s about anchoring the NFL permanently in continental Europe.”
Another chimed in: “NFL at the Bernabéu? That’s massive. Football meets fútbol in Madrid!”
But not everyone is on board. Some American fans voiced frustration over losing home games to international venues, arguing it dilutes the local experience and stretches the definition of the “National” Football League. Others raised broader concerns about the league’s global ambitions, questioning the direction and priorities of the NFL’s expansion strategy.
Still, the numbers don’t lie. With 62 NFL games already played internationally - in cities like Frankfurt, Mexico City, Toronto, and now Madrid - the league’s global push is more than a trend.
It’s a strategy. And it’s not slowing down.
As for which teams will take the field in Madrid next season, that remains to be seen. But there are some clues. The Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, and Miami Dolphins all hold marketing rights in Spain, making them logical candidates to be featured in the matchup - possibly even as the designated home team.
Regardless of which teams land in Madrid, one thing’s clear: the NFL’s return to the Bernabéu is more than just a game. It’s a signal that the league is playing the long game - and Spain is now officially part of the playbook.