The National Football League (NFL) is expanding its global footprint, with plans to host games in a record nine international cities in 2026. Among the confirmed locations, London will once again be a central hub, playing host to three games featuring the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Washington Commanders. This move underscores the NFL’s commitment to cultivating international fan bases and tapping into recent markets, solidifying its position as a truly global sport.
The announcement, made on February 25th and 26th, 2026, details a significant investment in international competition. The Jacksonville Jaguars, a franchise that has turn into synonymous with London NFL games, will play two “home” games in the United Kingdom capital. These games will be split between the iconic Wembley Stadium and the more modern Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Washington Commanders will also feature in London, hosting a game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This marks a continued effort to bring the excitement of American football to a wider audience, and builds on the success of previous international series.
Jaguars’ Long-Standing Commitment to London
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ connection to London dates back to 2013, with the team consistently playing regular-season games at Wembley Stadium. According to the NFL, the Jaguars have participated in 14 regular-season games in London since 2013, with 11 played at Wembley and three at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This upcoming schedule will observe them play back-to-back games in the UK for the third time, further cementing their status as a “home” team for many British fans. The team’s consistent presence has fostered a dedicated following and contributed significantly to the growth of NFL fandom in the United Kingdom.
The Jaguars’ head coach, Liam Coen, expressed his enthusiasm for playing in London, stating, “Last season was my first experience in London as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars and my immediate takeaway was London is undoubtedly our home away from home.” This sentiment highlights the positive experience the team has had playing in front of the passionate London crowd. The team’s 2026 schedule will include two games in London, one at Wembley Stadium and one at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, offering fans multiple opportunities to see their team in action on international soil.
Commanders Join the London Lineup
The Washington Commanders are also set to make their mark on the London NFL scene in 2026. The Commanders’ official website confirms that they will host a game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This will be their first appearance as a host team in London since a tie against the Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley Stadium in 2016. They also played a game in Madrid in 2025, demonstrating their willingness to participate in the NFL’s international expansion efforts. The Commanders’ participation is expected to further boost the popularity of American football in the UK and attract new fans to the sport.
The Commanders’ game in London is part of a broader strategy to engage fans across the UK and beyond. NFL UK & Ireland General Manager Henry Hodgson emphasized the importance of these games, stating, “The NFL London games bring fans together from across the UK and beyond, and play a key role in engaging our existing fans as well as creating new audiences and driving NFL fandom in this market.” This highlights the NFL’s commitment to building a sustainable fan base in the UK and establishing London as a premier destination for American football.
A Global Expansion: Nine International Games in 2026
The 2026 NFL international schedule isn’t limited to London. The league is planning a record nine international games across four continents and seven countries. ESPN reports that Detroit will play a home game in Munich, Germany, at FC Bayern Munich Stadium. Games are also scheduled for Madrid, Paris (featuring the New Orleans Saints), Mexico City (with the San Francisco 49ers), and Rio de Janeiro (hosting the Dallas Cowboys). Perhaps the most ambitious addition is a game in Melbourne, Australia, pitting the Los Angeles Rams against the San Francisco 49ers.
This expansion represents a significant investment in the globalization of the NFL. The league estimates that over three million fans have attended regular-season games in London since 2007, generating a total economic impact of more than £2 billion. With 42 regular-season games already played in the UK, the NFL is clearly committed to building on this success. The games are not only a sporting spectacle but also a significant economic driver for the host cities, attracting tourists and boosting local businesses.
Key Takeaways
- The Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Commanders will host NFL games in London in 2026.
- The Jaguars will play two games – one at Wembley Stadium and one at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- The Commanders will play one game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- The 2026 schedule includes a record nine international games across seven countries.
- The NFL’s international expansion is driving significant economic impact and fan engagement.
The dates and opponents for the London games, as well as the full 2026 NFL schedule, will be announced this spring. Fans eager to secure tickets and plan their attendance are advised to stay tuned to official NFL channels and team websites for updates. The anticipation is already building for what promises to be an exciting season of international football.
The NFL’s continued expansion into international markets demonstrates its ambition to become a truly global sport. With a record number of games scheduled for 2026, the league is poised to reach new audiences and solidify its position as a leader in the world of professional sports. The upcoming season promises to be a landmark year for the NFL, with London remaining a key destination for fans and teams alike. The release of the full schedule this spring will be the next major milestone, providing fans with the details they necessitate to experience the excitement of NFL football on an international stage.