The NFL is geared up for a truly global takeover, with a record-setting ten international games slated for 2027. This isn't just talk, either: Commissioner Roger Goodell just dropped a bombshell, telling Sportico that when it comes to international markets he wants to crack, he doesn't have "one, I got about 10." We’re talking about a serious global push, building on the nine international games already locked in for this upcoming 2026 season.
Japan’s About to Get Regular-Season Gridiron Action
Hold up, Japan! While the league has played games in Tokyo and Osaka before, those were preseason "American Bowl" matchups from way back. We're talking events that happened everywhere from West Berlin in 1990 to Sydney in 1999. The Tokyo Dome even hosted a dozen NFL games between 1989 and 2005. But Goodell wants the real deal this time: a full-blown, regular-season game. That's a huge step for growing the game worldwide, and it shows the league isn’t playing around. They're going all in on bringing the best football to new audiences. So, which teams might make the trip? The Los Angeles Rams are a natural fit, thanks to their stake in Japan through the NFL's Global Markets Program. That program kicked off in 2022 to build brand awareness internationally, and the Rams are clearly leveraging it. But get this: the Washington Commanders could also be front-runners. Both of their recent Heisman-winning No. 2 overall quarterbacks have ties to Japan. Robert Griffin III was born in Okinawa because his U.S. Army sergeant parents were stationed there. And Jayden Daniels even has Japanese ancestry on his mother's side, honoring his great-grandmother with a Japanese flag sticker on his helmet. Talk about some deep connections!The 2026 Global Schedule Is Absolutely Wild
This season, we're seeing nine international games in seven countries across four continents. It’s absolutely massive for the game! We’re kicking it off big in Week 1 with the Los Angeles Rams battling the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, marking the first regular-season game ever played there. Check out this lineup of where your favorite teams are heading:- Week 1: Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia
- Week 3: Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Week 4: Washington Commanders vs. Indianapolis Colts in London, England
- Week 5: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans in London, England
- Week 6: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Philadelphia Eagles in London, England
- Week 7: New Orleans Saints vs. Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris, France
- Week 9: Atlanta Falcons vs. Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain
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