Real Madrid’s iconic home is set to remain a major stop on the NFL’s global calendar.
The league has confirmed a multi-year agreement to keep staging regular-season games in Spain, with Madrid’s Bernabéu locked in as the venue beginning in the 2026 season.
At a glance
- What happened: The NFL announced a multi-year deal to continue games in Madrid from 2026
- Venue: Bernabéu (home of Real Madrid)
- Proof of concept: Madrid hosted its first NFL regular-season game in 2025
Madrid’s first NFL night set the template
The league’s debut regular-season game in the Spanish capital came during the 2025 season, when the Miami Dolphins beat the Washington Commanders 16–13 in overtime on November 16. The matchup drew 78,610 fans to the stadium—an eye-catching turnout that underlined why the NFL is eager to build on its footprint in the city.
Real Madrid’s message: Bernabéu as a global stage
Real Madrid’s director of institutional relations, Emilio Butragueño, welcomed the renewed partnership, framing it as part of a broader collaboration between the club and local institutions that boosts Madrid’s international profile.
In a statement released alongside the announcement, he highlighted the “historic” first NFL Madrid game and emphasized how continuing the alliance strengthens the image of Madrid and the Spanish brand worldwide.
Why the deal matters for the Bernabéu
For RMxtra readers, the significance is obvious: the Bernabéu’s evolution into a modern, multi-event venue keeps paying dividends. The stadium isn’t just a football cathedral—it’s increasingly positioned as a landmark capable of hosting elite global events, expanding visibility for both Real Madrid and the city.
From the NFL’s perspective, the agreement also signals confidence in Madrid as a long-term market, especially with the league citing a sizeable fanbase in Spain and continued growth plans across Europe and beyond.
The wider NFL international push
Madrid’s return is part of a broader international schedule that keeps expanding. The NFL has already confirmed that 2026 will include its first-ever regular-season game in Australia, with the Los Angeles Rams designated as one of the participants at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The league has also outlined additional international stops for 2026—continuing its presence in traditional European hosts and returning to South America—illustrating just how central overseas fixtures have become to its long-term strategy.
