NFL Will Play Nine International Games During 2026 Season
The 2026 NFL season features nine games played outside the United States, including matchups held in London.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Football
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Starting October 4, 2026, the NFL will expand its international footprint with nine games scheduled to take place outside the United States. This initiative includes high-profile matchups such as the Indianapolis Colts facing the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Why it matters
Hosting games abroad helps facilitate team bonding and camaraderie while supporting the league's ongoing effort to expand its global fan base. Future projections from the league suggest the potential for a permanent international team or division.
The 2026 season includes a total of nine games played outside the United States, marking a significant increase since the International Series began in 2007. Currently, the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, and Dallas Cowboys each hold a 1-2 record.
The players
Indianapolis Colts
This professional football team is competing in the 2026 season and currently holds a 1-2 record.
Washington Commanders
This professional football team is currently participating in the 2026 international game schedule with a 1-2 record.
Jacksonville Jaguars
This NFL franchise is slated to play an international game at Wembley Stadium during the 2026 season.
Houston Texans
This team is scheduled to compete in an international matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jason Bell
A former player for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and New York Giants who is participating in a London event.
The details
The league continues to host games across several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico. In London, the Jacksonville Jaguars are also scheduled to play the Houston Texans at Wembley Stadium.
Timeline
The NFL International Series began in the UK in 2007.
The 2026 NFL season includes nine games scheduled outside the US.
The Colts vs Commanders game occurs in London on October 4-5, 2026.
Jason Bell appears at a Fanatics Collectibles event in London on October 10, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The expansion of international matchups follows a pattern set by the 2007 launch of the NFL International Series in the UK. This growth shifts the competitive balance of the season by exposing teams to unique logistical challenges and extended travel demands.
Teams like the Colts, Commanders, and Cowboys must adjust their performance to improve from their current 1-2 records while managing the fatigue of international travel. These games impact the playoff picture by forcing teams to perform in venues that deviate from standard US stadium conditions.
The takeaway
The NFL continues to prioritize global expansion to diversify its market reach and test the viability of future international divisions. Fans should monitor how teams handle the travel demands of these overseas contests as the season progresses.
Further reading
For more on league operations and upcoming matchups, see the latest news in Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mirror.
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