The NFL International Expansion is due to continue this year after the success the league has found on the global sports stage. The NFL began experimenting with hosting international games way back in 2007. The first international game was hosted by England at the iconic Wembley Stadium. Since then, the NFL has discussed expanding the hosting to other nations where American football has the potential to gain some fans and support. This year has continued the expansion with five countries hosting a regular-season game.
Which countries and cities are hosting the first round of games this year?
The first game in the NFL international expansion for the 2025 season is in Brazil. São Paulo will host the first game in this years expansion as the Kansas City Chiefs will take on their AFC rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers. This one was easy for the NFL as the Chiefs are the most well known and therefore most profitable team for the international market and fans. The game will take place during week 1 of the calendar.
Next up in the NFL international expansion is Dublin, Ireland. The Irish nation has a long and complicated history with America, and a large percentage of the American public can trace their roots back to Ireland. The game will take place in week 4 and will feature the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings became the first NFL team to play two international games back to back.
As mentioned the Minnesota Vikings will then make their way to their next international game in England. They will go up against the Cleveland Browns in London. England has the best support for the NFL as they will host three games this year, with the matchup between the Vikings and Browns taking place on October 5 during week 5 of the 2025 season.
What new countries have been allocated hosting rights this year?
The party in London continues in Week 6 as the Denver Broncos face the New York Jets. The Jets, in particular, are looking for a change in their reputation and performances as they have been the team to pick on for the world’s sporting jokes. They have a huge support structure, and the performances do not match the fans’ expectations.
Week 7 sees the last game in England as the Los Angeles Rams will face up against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Rams have a lot to prove to the world as they have an impressive lineup of players who represent the hopes and dreams of Californians. The Rams have been the team to beat in the NFC West with a 10-7 record over the past two seasons. Halted last year by the Detroit Lions.
The NFL then makes its way to the city of Berlin. The German capital will host a game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts. The international expansion has proven to be a success as even more countries have been considered for future games, with Australia being one of the countries being considered as a possible location for the future.
Can the teams in the NFL make a success of the international expansion?
The last game in the NFL international expansion for the 2025 season will take place in a new location, Spain. Madrid will have the honor of hosting the Miami Dolphins vs. the Washington Commanders in Week 11. Some countries in the international expansion pose more PR issues than others, so it’s not just down to a financial decision. The countries that are part of the expansion need to be carefully considered. With the season due to begin soon, the preparations for the international games have begun, and we cannot wait for the start of the 2025 season and all it has to offer.
