The National Football League is continuing its mission to become a global sport, and Spain is a major part of that plan. On March 3, 2026, the league confirmed that the Atlanta Falcons will travel to Madrid to play a regular-season game. This matchup will take place at the famous Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which is the home of the Real Madrid soccer team.
This news is exciting for fans in Europe because it marks the second time the NFL will play an official game in the Spanish capital. The first game took place in November 2025, where the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders in front of a sold-out crowd of over 78,000 people. The success of that event proved that Spain has a deep passion for American football.
A World-Class Stage for the Falcons
The Santiago Bernabéu is not just a soccer stadium; it is one of the most technologically advanced sports venues in the world. After a massive renovation, the stadium now features a retractable field that can be swapped out to host different events, including basketball and American football.
The NFL signed a multi-year deal to keep playing games at this venue. For the Falcons, playing in such an iconic location is a significant honor. The team will be the designated “home” team for this game, meaning they will give up one of their usual home games in Atlanta to play in Spain.
While the Falcons’ opponent and the exact date of the game will not be revealed until the full 2026 schedule is released this spring, the announcement has already created a lot of buzz. Fans are expected to travel from all over Europe and the United States to witness this historic moment.
The NFL’s Growing Global Map
The game in Madrid is just one piece of a record-breaking international schedule for 2026. The NFL plans to host nine games outside of the United States, reaching four different continents. This is the largest international push in the history of the league.
The 2026 international slate includes:
London, England: Three games across Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadiums.
Munich, Germany: One game at the home of FC Bayern Munich.
Mexico City, Mexico: A return to the massive Estadio Banorte.
Paris, France: The first-ever regular-season game in the French capital.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A historic game at the Maracanã Stadium.
Melbourne, Australia: A massive test for the league in the Southern Hemisphere.
By spreading games across these cities, the NFL is trying to find new fans and build a global community. Commissioner Roger Goodell has been vocal about his desire to make the NFL a permanent part of the international sports scene.
What the Leaders Are Saying
The leaders of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL expressed great pride in bringing this game to Spain. They believe the partnership between the city of Atlanta and Madrid is a perfect match.
Falcons President and CEO Greg Beadles shared his excitement about the news:
“We are incredibly proud to be part of an NFL regular-season game in Madrid at the iconic Bernabéu. Atlanta and Madrid are a fitting match as we will host two of Spain’s group stage matches in the upcoming FIFA World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This opportunity reflects the continued global growth of both the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons.”
NFL Country Manager for Spain, Rafa de los Santos, also highlighted the growing interest in the sport among Spanish citizens:
“The passion for the NFL in Spain is at an all‑time high, and welcoming the Atlanta Falcons to Madrid for a regular‑season game is a historic moment for our growing fanbase. I’m sure the Falcons will enjoy competing in such an iconic stadium as the Bernabéu, in one of the world’s great sporting capitals.”
The Falcons’ International History
The trip to Madrid will not be the first time the Falcons have played outside the United States. In fact, the team has a long history of traveling abroad to meet their international supporters. This will be the sixth time the Falcons play a regular-season game on foreign soil.
Their previous travels include:
2013: Toronto, Canada
2014, 2021, and 2023: London, England
2025: Berlin, Germany
The organization has made a habit of playing in Europe, making this their fourth trip to the continent in just six seasons. For the players, these trips are a chance to see a new culture and play in front of a different kind of crowd. For the fans in Atlanta, the team’s official travel program, Falcons Fan Travel, is already offering packages that include flights, hotels, and exclusive events with former players.
A Special Connection to the World Cup
One interesting detail about this game is the timing. In 2026, the FIFA World Cup will be held in North America. Atlanta’s home stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, is scheduled to host several matches for the Spanish national soccer team during that tournament.
Because of this, the Falcons see the Madrid game as a way to return the favor. While Spanish fans are coming to Atlanta for soccer, the Falcons are going to Madrid to share American football. This “cultural exchange” strengthens the ties between the two cities and makes the game feel even more important.
Looking Ahead to Kickoff
As the league prepares for its biggest year of international growth, the eyes of the football world will be on Madrid. The game is expected to take place in November 2026, which aligns with the international break in the soccer world. This schedule helps ensure that the Bernabéu is ready and that the city can handle the influx of thousands of visitors.
For now, fans can register for ticket alerts and start planning their trips. The announcement of the Falcons in Madrid is a clear sign that the NFL is no longer just an American tradition; it is a global event that belongs to everyone.
