NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces plans for 2026 season opener to take place Down Under in Australia.
Rewritten Article:
NFL's 2026 Season Kicks Off Down Under 🇦🇺
Get ready for some gridiron action Down Under! In a major move for the National Football League (NFL), the league's first-ever regular-season game in Australia is set to take place in Week 1 of 2026. The action might even serve as the season opener!
On "The Pat McAfee Show," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spilled the beans about the upcoming Aussie adventure. "Next year, we're starting the season off over there," Goodell shared.
When asked if the teams playing down under would receive a bye week following the game, Goodell squashed that idea, revealing that the teams would travel a few days earlier instead. However, he didn't specify which day of the week the game would be played on, suggesting a possible Thursday night showdown, traditionally reserved for the reigning Super Bowl champions.
In 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs hosted the Baltimore Ravens for the season opener on a Thursday, followed by the NFL's first-ever game in Brazil the following day. The NFL also plans to hold games in Ireland and Spain for the first time in 2025.
The Los Angeles Rams have been designated as the home team for the 2026 Aussie game, but their opponent remains a mystery for now.
With Australia being a massive 17-hour flight ahead of LA, the 2026 game presents a significant logistical challenge. Nevertheless, Goodell expressed optimism about the league's future in Asia, deeming it the "next frontier." "I think we'll get to Asia pretty soon," he said, adding, "I think we can be worldwide with our game."
** fun fact:** 🤔 Did you know? The NFL first ventured into international waters in 2007 with a single game in London. Now, the league is set to expand its global presence through high-profile games, continuous community and media engagement, and grassroots programs, including efforts to include flag football in the 2028 Olympics. Australia's 2026 game is a significant step on the path to broader global expansion, including Asia. 🌐🏈🇦🇺🏆
Sources: Field Level Media, NFL, ESPN
- The National Football League (NFL) is scheduled to play its first-ever regular-season game in Australia during Week 1 of 2026, potentially serving as the season opener.
- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced on "The Pat McAfee Show" that the league will commence the season in Australia next year.
- Contrary to speculations, teams participating in the Aussie game will not receive a bye week; they will travel a few days earlier instead.
- The Los Angeles Rams have been assigned as the home team for the 2026 game, though their opponent remains undetermined.
- With a 17-hour flight separating LA from Australia, the 2026 game poses a considerable logistical challenge, but Goodell remains optimistic about the NFL's future in Asia.
- The NFL's international expansion plans include high-profile games, continuous community and media engagement, and grassroots programs, such as the inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics.
- In 2025, the NFL plans to hold games in Ireland and Spain for the first time, reflecting the ongoing growth of American football on a global scale.
