NFL's 2024 International Series Concludes in Munich; Discussing Potential Locations for Future Events
The National Football League (NFL) is set to expand its International Series, with plans to host games in Spain, Ireland, France, Australia, and Asia (specifically Japan) in the coming years.
Current and Upcoming Expansions
The 2025 season will mark a significant milestone for the NFL as it hosts its first game in Madrid, Spain. On September 5th, the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins will face off at the Estadio de la Atlética, marking Spain's entry into the NFL International Series.
Ireland will also join the series for the first time, with the Minnesota Vikings taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin on September 28th.
The season will begin with a game in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 5th, building on the success from the previous season.
Past Expansions
The NFL's International Series began in 2007 with a game at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Since then, the series has expanded to include Mexico City and Germany, with the first international regular-season game held in Mexico City in 2005.
Ongoing Efforts
The NFL's global expansion is driven by its aim to become a truly international league. With the increase in international games, the league is looking to engage more fans worldwide and potentially add new countries to its schedule in the future.
The Allianz Arena in Munich is expected to have a sold-out crowd and an electric atmosphere this weekend as the New York Giants take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFL International Series. This game marks the league's continued efforts to bring American football to new audiences.
While there are no specific plans announced for France, the NFL has been expanding its presence in Europe, having games in London and Berlin, which might pave the way for future games in France.
Japan looks likely as a destination for future NFL expansion in Asia, given its big stadiums and existing NFL fanbase. The Middle East, specifically Qatar and Saudi Arabia, could potentially host NFL games due to their investment in sports.
The success of the London games encouraged the NFL to add a Mexico game to the schedule in 2016. Mexico is a potential venue for a 2025 game once the Aztec Stadium refurbishment has been completed.
The NFL is considering expanding the International Series to North America, particularly Canada and Mexico. The Toronto Series, featuring the Buffalo Bills, took place from 2008 to 2013, and there is hope for a return to Canada in future seasons.
Future Plans
The NFL has announced plans for its first regular-season game in Australia, scheduled for 2026. The Los Angeles Rams will be the designated home team at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.
Argentina and Uruguay are potential homes for International Series matches, given their soccer stadiums' adaptability and their hosting of the 2030 World Cup. South Africa has the infrastructure to host NFL games, but Morocco in North Africa also shows interest in attracting the NFL.
The first NFL regular season game ever held outside North America took place at Wembley Stadium in 2007, and was attended by 81,000 people. The NFL is committed to continuing its global expansion and engaging fans worldwide.
In line with the NFL's desire to expand and engage fans globally, the league plans to introduce American football to France, possibly paving the way for future games in the country. Additionally, in an effort to further establish itself as a truly international league, the NFL is set to organize an NFL game in Japan, capitalizing on its existing fanbase and large stadiums.
