The National Football League is continuing its global expansion, announcing that the Atlanta Falcons will take part in the 2026 international game in Madrid, Spain. The matchup will be held at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid CF. This game is part of a historic slate of nine international games scheduled across four continents, highlighting the league’s commitment to growing the sport worldwide.

League officials emphasized Spain’s rising passion for American football, noting that the country now has more than 11 million NFL fans. NFL Country Manager Rafa de los Santos called the moment historic, pointing to Madrid’s reputation as one of the world’s premier sports cities. Falcons President and CEO Greg Beadles echoed that excitement, describing the opportunity as a major step in strengthening the team’s international presence while building deeper connections with European fans and partners.

The Falcons’ opponent, along with the official date and kickoff time, will be revealed when the full 2026 schedule drops later this spring. Beyond the game itself, the NFL is continuing to invest in grassroots development through its NFL Flag program, which has already begun expanding in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Zaragoza. With flag football also set to debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the league’s long-term vision in Spain reflects a broader push to grow the game at every level around the world.