Chiefs Make Aggressive 2026 Scheduling Request with NFL

Kansas City pushing hard to play in international game next season

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Kansas City Chiefs football game, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the dynamic action on the field.The Chiefs' request to host an international game reflects their desire to grow the team's global profile and fanbase.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Chiefs have made an 'aggressive' scheduling request with the NFL for the 2026 season, pushing hard to play in an international game next year. Chiefs president Mark Donovan revealed the team has asked the league to consider Kansas City as a host city for a game outside the United States.

Why it matters

The Chiefs are one of the NFL's marquee franchises, having won the Super Bowl in 2023 and 2025. Playing an international game would raise the team's global profile and provide a unique experience for their passionate fanbase.

The details

Donovan said the Chiefs believe Kansas City would be a 'great market' and 'matchup' for an international game, though the specific location has not been disclosed. The NFL has played regular season games in London, Mexico City, and other international sites in recent years as part of its efforts to grow the sport globally.

  • The Chiefs made their scheduling request before the NFL begins putting together the 2026 regular season calendar.

The players

Mark Donovan

The president of the Kansas City Chiefs.

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What they’re saying

“We think it would be a great market, game [and] matchup.”

— Mark Donovan, Chiefs President

What’s next

The NFL will consider the Chiefs' request as it finalizes the 2026 schedule in the coming months.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' push to host an international game reflects the team's ambition to expand its brand and fanbase globally, building on their recent Super Bowl success.