FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The NFL had previously informed the Atlanta Falcons that they will play an international game during the 2026 regular season. The location has officially been set: Madrid, Spain.
This is a continuation of the league's effort to grow the game internationally. In fact, earlier this month the league reached a multi-year deal to remain playing at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
The first NFL regular-season game in Spain was played at the Bernabéu in November of last season. The Miami Dolphins beat the Washington Commanders, 16-13, in overtime. The final count of total attendance at the Bernabéu that day was 78,610.
"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," NFL Country Manager Rafa de los Santos said. "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."
Falcons Fan Travel, the Falcons official travel program, has put together a complete package to bring fans to Madrid. The travel package includes everything – flights, hotel, exclusive events, meet and greet with former players and the game day experience. Fully refundable deposits are now open.
As a reminder to Falcons' season ticket holders, the 2026 membership will include one preseason game and eight regular season games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
This will be the sixth time the Falcons have played a regular season game outside of the United States, and it is the organization's fifth trip to Europe — the fourth in six seasons. Atlanta played in Toronto in 2013, London in 2014, 2021 and 2023, and Berlin in 2025. The Falcons were the home team in 2014 and 2021.
"We are incredibly proud to be part of an NFL regular-season game in Madrid at the iconic Bernabéu," Falcons President and CEO Greg Beadles said. "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."
