Atlanta Falcons to Play at Santiago Bernabéu in 2026 NFL Madrid Game

The NFL continues its global expansion with a regular-season game in the Spanish capital.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The NFL has announced that the Atlanta Falcons will be the home team for a regular-season game at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain in 2026. This will be the second NFL game held at the legendary Real Madrid stadium, following a successful debut in 2025 between the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders.

Why it matters

The NFL's decision to host a game in Madrid is part of the league's broader strategy to grow its international fanbase and tap into new markets. The selection of the Falcons is significant, as it builds on the existing connection between Atlanta and Madrid through the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The details

The November 2026 game is expected to draw a large crowd, building on the 78,610 fans who attended the inaugural Madrid game last year. Potential opponents for the Falcons include the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals - all of whom have existing commercial rights in Spain.

  • The game is anticipated to take place in November 2026, aligning with the FIFA international break (November 9-17).
  • The inaugural NFL game at the Santiago Bernabéu was held in November 2025.

The players

Atlanta Falcons

An American professional football team based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

The home stadium of Spanish soccer club Real Madrid, located in Madrid, Spain.

Greg Beadles

President and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons.

Miami Dolphins

An American professional football team based in Miami, Florida.

Washington Commanders

An American professional football team based in Washington, D.C.

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What they’re saying

“Atlanta and Madrid are a natural combination. We are proud to be part of this global growth and to enjoy the rich Spanish culture in such an iconic setting.”

— Greg Beadles, President and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons

What’s next

The NFL is expected to announce the official schedule and ticket information for the 2026 Madrid game in the coming months.

The takeaway

The NFL's decision to host a regular-season game in Madrid is a significant step in the league's global expansion strategy, tapping into new international markets and building on the success of its previous game at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.