The NFL’s latest international slate wrapped via the Giants-Panthers Germany matchup, and the days of five games on foreign soil per season appear to have ended with that contest as well. As greater ambitions are on the NFL’s agenda down the line, the league has a near-future aim to reach its current maximum for non-American contests.
Roger Goodell told the NFL Network’s Colleen Wolfe the league is looking to play eight foreign games in 2025. That is the maximum number currently allowed. Given the veteran commissioner’s sway, it is probably a good bet half the league’s teams — or nearly half, depending on the Jaguars’ plans — will be playing a game outside the country next season.
Goodell wants another Brazil game scheduled and is looking for a 2025 Mexico date as well. The league is set to debut in Spain next season, and Goodell expressed hope for a 2025 Ireland game. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones indicates an Ireland game will be on tap for the ’25 season. Dublin has been rumored as a potential site for a bit, and it appears an announcement pertaining to an expansion into that country is in the works.
Next season will feature the London contests, with Germany again set to receive a game. Specifically, Berlin is a target. Goodell said (via The Associated Press) the NFL is working “very hard” on bringing a game to Berlin. The NFL’s previous Germany forays have included games in Frankfurt and Munich.
A December 2023 vote led to the trail clearing for seasons including eight international games. While the slate is at eight, an Australia debut should probably be expected. A game down under in 2026 is in play, Jones adds, noting the NFL — beyond its London base — has devoted its most international resources to Australia. The continent has come up regarding an NFL game previously as well, with Jones adding the prospect of Pro Bowl Games being played there is also on the table.
Olympics buffs who recall the Sydney and Tokyo Games will remember the difficulties a time difference of this sort presents. Australia is 16 hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone now and 14 hours ahead in September, creating challenges. While some teams have chosen not to take their bye week after a London game, clubs would almost be forced to do so following an Australia assignment. With eight foreign games more likely than not to be on the 2025 and ’26 schedules, the NFL may not be able to offer byes to every team coming off games in Europe. That will be an interesting subplot to follow, as competitive balance will soon be an issue if/once international games cover nearly half the league.
The NFL has conducted site visits to Melbourne and Sydney, Jones adds, pointing to one of these cities being selected for the 2026 Australia introduction. France, Sweden, Italy and Abu Dhabi have come up as possible future sites, though none is mentioned as a candidate to host a 2025 game. Goodell brought up a 16-game international slate, a prospect that would level the playing field. That may not be coming in the near future, but NFL fans should prepare for it down the line.