The NFL is heading back to the Spanish capital. Sources have confirmed that Real Madrid’s newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu stadium will host a regular-season game during the 2026 season, solidifying a long-term partnership between the league and the La Liga giants.
Following the massive success of the first-ever Madrid game in November 2025—where the Miami Dolphins faced the Washington Commanders in front of a sold-out crowd—the NFL and Real Madrid are reportedly discussing hosting annual games at the venue through 2027 and beyond.
A €1.3 Billion Stage for Global Sport
The return to Madrid is part of a broader international expansion. In 2024, NFL owners voted to increase the number of overseas games, with 2026 potentially seeing up to nine international matchups, including debuts in Melbourne and Rio de Janeiro alongside returns to Munich and Mexico.
For Real Madrid, the NFL’s presence is a key pillar of their business strategy. After a €1.3 billion stadium rebuild completed in 2025, the Bernabéu has transformed into a year-round revenue engine. By hosting world-class events outside of football, the club aims to build on its record-breaking commercial revenue, which surpassed £499 million last season.
Despite minor local legal challenges regarding noise pollution, city officials and league executives remain fully committed. As NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell noted, the “sell-out on day one” success of the previous Madrid fixture proved that Spain is now a core market for American football’s global takeover.