he NFL is doubling down on its expansion into Spain. After the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders inaugurated the Madrid series last November, the Atlanta Falcons have been selected as the designated home team for the 2026 edition. The game will be played at the newly renovated, state-of-the-art Santiago Bernabéu, which features a retractable pitch designed to host world-class events year-round.
Why the Falcons?
The selection of Atlanta is no coincidence. Falcons President and CEO Greg Beadles highlighted a unique “cultural synergy” between the two cities:
- World Cup Connection: Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set to host two group-stage matches for the Spanish National Team during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Global Brand Growth: This will be the Falcons’ fourth game in Europe in the past six seasons (following London in ’21 and ’23, and Berlin in ’25), solidifying them as one of the NFL’s most active global ambassadors.
Potential Opponents
While the exact date and opponent will be revealed with the full 2026 schedule in May, we know it will be one of Atlanta’s designated home opponents.
- Top Candidates: The Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs are considered the frontrunners, as both teams hold international marketing rights in Spain via the NFL’s Global Markets Program.
- Other Possibilities: Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals.
- Ruled Out: The Lions, 49ers, and Saints are unlikely, as they have already been assigned to other international games this season.
The 2026 International Slate
The Madrid game is part of a record-breaking nine international games scheduled for 2026, spanning four continents:
- London, UK: 3 games (Jaguars at Wembley; Jaguars & Commanders at Tottenham)
- Munich, Germany: Lions at Allianz Arena
- Mexico City, Mexico: 49ers at Estadio Banorte
- Paris, France: Saints at Stade de France
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Cowboys at Maracanã
- Melbourne, Australia: Rams vs. 49ers at the MCG