The Atlanta Falcons will play an international game in Madrid, Spain during the 2026 NFL regular season. The announcement confirms the team’s participation in the league’s ongoing efforts to expand its global presence.
Earlier this month, the NFL secured a multi-year agreement to continue hosting games at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The venue hosted its first NFL regular-season game in November of last year, where the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime before a crowd of 78,610.
Rafa de los Santos, NFL Country Manager for Spain, commented on the upcoming event: “The passion for the NFL in Spain is at an all‑time high, and welcoming the Atlanta Falcons to Madrid for a regular‑season game is a historic moment for our growing fanbase. I’m sure the Falcons will enjoy competing in such an iconic stadium as the Bernabéu, in one of the world’s great sporting capitals, Madrid, and that fans will once again experience firsthand the intensity, speed, and talent that make the NFL unique.”
To support fan attendance, Falcons Fan Travel has created a package including flights, hotel accommodations, exclusive events, meet-and-greet opportunities with former players, and tickets to the game. Deposits for these packages are now open and fully refundable.
Season ticket holders are reminded that their 2026 membership includes one preseason game and eight regular season games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
This appearance marks the sixth time Atlanta has played a regular season game outside of the United States and its fifth trip to Europe. Previous international games include Toronto (2013), London (2014, 2021, 2023), and Berlin (2025). The team served as home team during their visits to London in 2014 and 2021.
Falcons President and CEO Greg Beadles said: “We are incredibly proud to be part of an NFL regular-season game in Madrid at the iconic Bernabéu. Atlanta and Madrid are a fitting match as we will host two of Spain’s group stage matches in the upcoming FIFA World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This opportunity reflects the continued global growth of both the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons, and we look forward to deepening our connection with our European community by hosting another sporting contest here at home and returning to Europe for the fourth time in six seasons. On behalf of our entire organization, we are excited to experience Spain’s rich culture and to collaborate with outstanding partners including Real Madrid C.F., the city of Madrid and the Comunidad de Madrid. The Falcons are honored to play a role in advancing the NFL’s international growth.”
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the NFC South division of the National Football League (official website). The team is based in Atlanta, Georgia (official website) and began as an expansion franchise in 1965 (official website). They have advanced to two Super Bowls—in 1998 and 2016 (official website). Freddie the Falcon serves as their mascot (official website).
