The National Football League is once again heading across the Atlantic this weekend, bringing the first of three scheduled games in London for the month of October. On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts will travel to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face the Washington Commanders, and the following week the Jacksonville Jaguars will return to the same venue for a showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The London series will conclude on October 18 at Wembley Stadium, where the Jaguars will meet their AFC South rivals, the Houston Texans, in what will be the third and final match of the UK swing. While the league’s dedication to the United Kingdom remains evident, the broader strategy is unmistakably global.
By the close of the 2026 season, the NFL will have staged nine regular‑season contests on foreign soil, a clear indication that the organization is becoming increasingly adventurous with its international agenda. London has played a pivotal role in proving that the logistics of moving entire teams, arranging practice facilities, hosting a full‑scale game, and then sending everyone back home can be executed smoothly and efficiently. This successful blueprint has now been replicated on the opposite side of the globe. This year, the NFL will break new ground with games already booked in Australia and in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In addition, a historic first will occur at the end of October when a regular‑season contest is staged in Paris, France. The momentum of this worldwide expansion shows no signs of slowing; in fact, the league appears poised to accelerate its schedule. Projections suggest that ten games could be played abroad next season, and some analysts speculate that a future where sixteen regular‑season matchups take place outside the United States is not far off. Achieving that level of international exposure will likely require a renegotiated collective‑bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association, as the current 17‑game schedule would need to expand to 18 games to accommodate the additional overseas fixtures.
In the meantime, the league’s approach mirrors that of Formula 1: rotating teams through a variety of markets, cultivating fan bases worldwide, and leveraging the global appeal of the sport. This model makes sense, as it allows the NFL to tap into new audiences without committing to a permanent presence in any one location.
Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly emphasized the importance of spreading the game across many regions rather than concentrating on a single market. In conversations with the commissioner, he has explained that playing in just one or two foreign cities only expands the fan base modestly, whereas staging games in ten, eleven, or twelve different locations can generate significant growth across multiple countries.
This philosophy aligns with the league’s ongoing discussions about establishing fully fledged international franchises, perhaps even a dedicated European division. Goodell hinted at such possibilities during a recent visit to Germany, suggesting that the NFL is keeping its options open. The underlying motive for this expansive outlook is simple: the NFL does not want to lose the momentum it has built in recent years.
By maintaining flexibility, the league can continue to test the Formula 1 model while remaining prepared to pivot toward a more permanent structure if the data supports it. For instance, if London, Germany, Spain, and France each develop robust, sustainable fan bases, the NFL might eventually create a European division with teams based in those cities.
The groundwork for such a scenario is already being laid through repeated visits, community outreach, and the growth of flag‑football programs that introduce the sport to younger audiences. From a betting perspective, the future remains uncertain. Early speculation centered heavily on a London franchise, but that chatter faded as the Formula 1‑style touring model gained traction.
Now, with the commissioner reviving the franchise conversation, it appears the league is balancing two parallel objectives: expanding the fan base through short‑term visits and exploring the feasibility of long‑term, location‑specific teams. Regardless of the ultimate path, one fact is clear: NFL owners and the commissioner are more committed than ever to growing the game beyond American borders.
This commitment will shape the league’s priorities for years to come, influencing everything from broadcast deals to grassroots initiatives. For international fans, the outlook is promising; more games, more exposure, and perhaps eventually, a home‑grown team to cheer for.
Fans can stay tuned to the action by watching the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every game, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027. Those interested in flexible viewing options can also explore streaming through NOW without a contract. The NFL’s global journey is just beginning, and each new venue brings the sport closer to fans around the world.