NFL Announces Expanded International Presence With Record Global Schedule

The NFL’s global expansion continues after league owners approved plans allowing up to 10 international regular-season games beginning in 2027. The move is part of the league’s long-term strategy to further grow the sport and potentially make international games a weekly part of the NFL calendar.

The league will already set a new record in 2026 with nine international games scheduled across several countries and cities, including Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Madrid, Munich, and Mexico City. The Jacksonville Jaguars are also expected to play two London games because of stadium renovations at home.

NFL owners also approved the removal of a rule that allowed teams to protect two home games from being moved overseas. League officials believe the change will create more flexibility in scheduling marquee international matchups moving forward.

Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly said that the NFL hopes to eventually reach 16 international games annually, which could mean every team playing abroad each season.

2026 NFL International Games

The 2026 schedule includes some of the league’s biggest franchises and several first-time host cities.

Key International Matchups and Locations

• San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
  • Melbourne, Australia
  • First NFL regular-season game in Australia
• Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys
  • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Jacksonville Jaguars London Games
  • Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, England
• Detroit Lions
  • Munich, Germany
• New Orleans Saints
  • Paris, France
• San Francisco 49ers
  • Mexico City, Mexico

The NFL’s global push has also expanded through its International Home Marketing Area initiative, which now gives all 32 teams marketing rights in various countries around the world.

Top Teams to Watch in 2026

Several teams enter the upcoming season viewed as major Super Bowl contenders while also playing key international games.

The Seattle Seahawks remain one of the league’s top teams after winning Super Bowl LX and continue leading most futures betting markets entering the new season.

The Kansas City Chiefs are again expected to contend behind Patrick Mahomes, while the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles continue receiving strong support in preseason rankings and NFL betting markets.

The Detroit Lions are also viewed as one of the NFC’s rising powers after another strong season, while the Baltimore Ravens remain among the AFC favorites thanks to Lamar Jackson and one of the league’s strongest defenses.

Meanwhile, teams such as the San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals continue drawing major attention heading into training camp.

Super Bowl Futures Betting Odds

Sportsbooks such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM have already posted updated Super Bowl odds for the 2026-27 season.

Top 10 Super Bowl Favorites

• L.A. Rams +700
• Seattle Seahawks +1000
• Baltimore Ravens +1000
• Buffalo Bills +1000
• San Francisco 49ers +1100
• L.A. Chargers +1600
• Kansas City Chiefs +1600
• New England Patriots +1600
• Detroit Lions +1900
• Philadelphia Eagles +1900
• Denver Broncos +2000
• Green Bay Packers +2000

International games have also become major betting events, particularly in live betting and player prop markets. Sportsbooks have reported increased betting activity around overseas contests because of unique kickoff times, travel factors, and standalone viewing windows.