The NFL’s international footprint is set to expand dramatically in 2025, with Commissioner Roger Goodell unveiling plans for up to eight games outside the United States, including a potential historic first in Ireland.
Speaking to NFL Network’s Colleen Wolfe on NFL GameDay Kickoff from Munich’s Allianz Arena, Goodell outlined an ambitious vision for the league’s global presence.
In a wide-ranging discussion before the Giants-Panthers matchup, Goodell confirmed several destinations already locked into the 2025 calendar. “We are definitely going to Spain, we announced that,” he stated, while also confirming returns to Mexico City, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The commissioner’s most intriguing revelation was the possibility of adding Ireland to the NFL’s growing list of host nations.
The potential Irish expansion holds particular significance for the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose deep ties to the country stem from former owner Dan Rooney’s tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland from 2009-2012. The Steelers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets, count Ireland as their designated global market, positioning them as prime candidates for a potential game there.
Dublin presents two compelling venue options for the NFL’s Irish debut. The modern Aviva Stadium, which has successfully hosted numerous college football games, stands as a leading candidate. Alternatively, the historic Croke Park, which welcomed the Steelers and Chicago Bears for a 1997 preseason clash, offers another prestigious setting for the league’s first regular-season game in Ireland.
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The NFL’s expansion into Ireland would mark a significant milestone, making it the sixth country to host official league games. This addition would join the established markets of the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Germany, along with newcomers Brazil and Spain, in creating a truly global NFL presence.
Earlier announced plans for 2025 include a landmark game at Madrid’s renovated Bernabéu Stadium, marking Spain’s entry into the NFL’s international portfolio. Mexico City’s famous Estadio Azteca is set to welcome back NFL action for the first time since 2022, while Brazil’s successful hosting of the Eagles-Packers thriller (34-29) in São Paulo has earned it another game.
Germany’s continued participation in the International Games series will see the NFL exploring Berlin as a potential host city, expanding beyond the successful Munich experiments. This strategic move demonstrates the league’s commitment to developing multiple strongholds within key European markets.
The expansion received official backing in December when NFL team owners voted to authorize up to eight international games per season, providing the framework for this ambitious global schedule. This decision marks a significant step in the league’s efforts to build a truly global fanbase.
The timing of this announcement, coming during the final International Game of 2024, underscores the NFL’s growing confidence in its global appeal. The success of recent international ventures, particularly in new markets like Brazil, has clearly emboldened the league to pursue even more ambitious expansion plans.
Daniel Rooney, the Steelers’ director of business development and strategy, had previously expressed his organization’s long-term desire to play in Ireland, a vision that now appears closer to reality as part of the NFL’s most extensive international schedule to date.
This expanded international slate represents the NFL’s most ambitious global push yet, reflecting the league’s commitment to growing American football’s popularity worldwide while creating new revenue streams and fan engagement opportunities across multiple continents.