NFL Expands Global Games While London Team Faces Obstacles

The NFL is expanding its international program in 2026 as the league stages games across multiple continents, while discussions about a permanent London franchise continue amid challenges involving stadiums, scheduling and competition from established sports.

According to Sports Yahoo, the NFL scheduled nine international games across seven countries, four continents and eight stadiums during the season. The league has used overseas games to build global interest, but a permanent franchise requires more than international attendance.

The NFL has played 64 international games as of October 2026, according to Sundial. The first international series began in 2007 when the New York Giants faced the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium in London.

Recent international games produced record viewership figures, with the Rio De Janeiro matchup drawing almost 25 million viewers and the Melbourne opener attracting 18.5 million viewers, according to Sundial citing ESPN.

The league's London expansion plans face practical barriers beyond fan interest. Sports Yahoo reported that British supporters have largely chosen existing U.S.-based teams to follow rather than creating demand for a new local franchise.

London's stadium situation remains a major issue because Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium are used for international games but have competing commitments. Sports Yahoo noted that Wembley also hosts important soccer events and England national team matches.

The NFL also must resolve scheduling concerns for a London-based team, including division placement and frequent travel between the United Kingdom and the United States, according to Sports Yahoo.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has highlighted the international program's connection to the growth of American football and player interest in future Olympic participation.

"I've heard directly from a lot of players who want to participate and represent their country, whether it's the United States or the country that they came from," said Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner.

Flag football will be included at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, and NFL owners previously approved player participation. NBC Sports and Brian Flinn, the NFL's head of Global flag football, reported that more than 200 players from more than 25 countries have expressed interest.

"More than 200 players representing more than 25 countries have expressed a desire to possibly play," said Brian Flinn, NFL head of Global flag football.

The 2026 international schedule includes games in London, Paris, Madrid, Munich, Mexico City, Melbourne and Rio De Janeiro, with three games planned for London during the season.