The National Football League is heading back across the Atlantic this weekend, marking the start of a trio of games slated for October in London. The opening matchup will see the Indianapolis Colts face the Washington Commanders at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, followed a week later by a contest between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Philadelphia Eagles at the same venue.
The London series will conclude on October 18 at Wembley Stadium, where the Jaguars will take on their AFC South rivals, the Houston Texans. While the league’s ongoing commitment to the United Kingdom is evident, the broader picture points to an increasingly global strategy. By the close of the 2026 season, the NFL will have staged nine regular‑season games outside the United States, a clear sign that the organization is becoming more adventurous in its international outreach. London has played a pivotal role in this evolution, repeatedly demonstrating that teams can arrive, practice efficiently, compete, and depart with minimal disruption.
That logistical playbook has now been exported to the other side of the globe. This season, the NFL will break new ground with games already held in Australia and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and a historic first in Paris, France, scheduled for late October. The momentum shows no signs of slowing; in fact, the league appears poised to accelerate its overseas schedule. Projections suggest ten international games could be on the calendar for the next season, and some analysts even speculate that as many as sixteen regular‑season contests might eventually be played abroad each year.
Realizing such an ambitious slate will likely depend on the outcome of forthcoming negotiations with the NFL Players Association, which could see the regular season expand from the current 17 games to 18. In the meantime, the NFL’s approach mirrors that of Formula 1: rotating teams through a variety of markets to cultivate a worldwide fan base. This model makes sense from a growth perspective, as each new city offers a fresh pool of potential supporters. Commissioner Roger Goodell has been vocal about the benefits of a multi‑market strategy.
In past conversations, he emphasized that playing in just one or two foreign cities only expands the fan base in those locales. By contrast, staging games in ten, eleven, or twelve different markets spreads the sport’s appeal across numerous countries, laying the groundwork for a truly global following. Goodell has also hinted at the possibility of international franchises, even mentioning a European division during a recent visit to Germany. The underlying motivation appears to be preserving the league’s current momentum.
While the Formula 1‑style touring model is the primary focus now, the NFL is keeping its options open. If the international experiments prove successful in a sufficient number of regions, the league might consider a more permanent presence—perhaps a dedicated European division with teams in London, Germany, Spain, France, and beyond. The infrastructure and fan interest are gradually being assembled to support such a venture.
From a betting perspective, the future path is uncertain. Early speculation heavily favored a London franchise, but that narrative receded as the touring concept gained traction.
Recent remarks from Goodell, however, have revived the franchise discussion, suggesting that the league is still evaluating the best long‑term strategy. In the short term, the emphasis remains on expanding fan numbers, increasing engagement through initiatives like flag‑football programs, and identifying new talent pools worldwide. The NFL does not appear locked into a single route.
The current Formula 1‑style schedule may eventually give way to a more fixed international footprint, or the two approaches could coexist, with some teams establishing permanent overseas bases while others continue to travel. What is clear is that ownership and league leadership are more committed than ever to growing American football beyond U.S.
borders. For international fans, this dedication translates into more opportunities to watch live games, attend events, and participate in the sport’s culture. The league’s long‑term plan is one of the most significant initiatives it has undertaken in recent years, promising sustained growth for years to come.
As the NFL continues to plant seeds across continents, supporters outside the United States can look forward to an expanding calendar of games, increased media coverage, and perhaps, one day, a home‑grown European franchise. To stay connected, fans can tune into the 2026 NFL season on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every game, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027. For those without a traditional contract, streaming options are available through NOW, ensuring that the excitement of American football remains accessible to a global audience.