Tag: Madrid

Aug 18, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cincinnati Bengals against the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images

Bengals, Falcons to square off in 2026 Madrid game

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Atlanta Falcons will face the Cincinnati Bengals when the NFL plays its second regular-season game in Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 8 at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the league announced on Tuesday.

The NFL also played a game at the 70-year home of soccer power Real Madrid last November, when the Washington Commanders lost 16-13 in overtime to the Miami Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, now on the Falcons.

The Week 9 contest, part of the 2026 NFL International Games, is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. (NFL Network) and was announced two days ahead of the full NFL schedule reveal on Thursday.

Quarterback Joe Burrow, whose Bengals went 6-11 last season, will be playing in his first overseas contest.

“The game has a lot of room to grow. Just like basketball did in the ’80s and ’90s,” Burrow said Tuesday after the announcement. “The Bulls kind of spearheaded that. Made it global and, hopefully, the Bengals can do the same thing over the next couple of years for the NFL.”

Cincinnati has played two international games, both in London — the most recent a 24-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at Wembley Stadium in 2019 in head coach Zac Taylor’s first season.

Kevin Stefanski is entering his first season as the Falcons’ head coach after becoming very familiar with the Bengals while at the helm of the AFC North-rival Cleveland Browns for the past six years.

Atlanta has played five previous regular-season games outside of the United States, with four in Europe. The Falcons played in Toronto (2013), London (2014, 2021, 2023) and Berlin last season, when they lost 31-25 to the Indianapolis Colts and finished 8-9.

“We are truly honored and deeply grateful for the opportunity to host the Cincinnati Bengals at the Bernabeu, one of the world’s most iconic venues,” Falcons president and CEO Greg Beadles said in a statement on Tuesday. “This matchup represents a unique opportunity to connect with fans in Spain, and we sincerely appreciate the NFL’s continued commitment to growing the game on a global stage. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, we are thankful for the opportunity to begin building meaningful connections with Spanish supporters who will also experience our great city of Atlanta on the world stage.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) celebrates after a touchdown catch against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons ticketed for Madrid in 2026

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Atlanta Falcons are ticketed for a regular-season game in Madrid this season.

Atlanta will learn a date and opponent for the game in May when the NFL releases the full schedule for the 2026 season. The site is known after the league extended an agreement with Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where 78,610 were in attendance for a 16-13 Miami Dolphins’ overtime victory over the Washington Commanders last season.

The Falcons played in Berlin last season and have participated in five international games to date. It will be the fourth game in Europe for the Falcons in the past six seasons.

“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.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 15, 2025; Madrid, Spain; A general overall view of Bernabeu Stadium, the site of the 2025 NFL Madrid Game between the Washington Commanders and the Miami Dolphins. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL confirms multi-year deal for games in Madrid

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The NFL announced a “multi-year” agreement Monday to continue playing regular-season games in Madrid, starting in 2026.

The league staged its first game in Spain during the 2025 season when the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime on Nov. 16.

The game drew 78,610 fans to Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium, which will once again serve as the venue under Monday’s deal.

“It is an honor and a privilege for Real Madrid to host the NFL once again at the Bernabeu stadium,” said Real Madrid director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueno. “We experienced a historic first NFL Madrid game a few months ago, and this new agreement will allow the alliance between our club, the Community of Madrid, the City Council and the NFL to continue, strengthening the image of our capital and the Spanish brand around the world. The transformation of the Bernabeu stadium is a major boost for sport to continue to be a unifying force for millions of fans across all continents.”

The Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs and Dolphins have marketing rights in Spain, where the NFL counts 11 million fans.

The NFL played six other international games in 2025: three in London, one in Berlin, one in Dublin and one in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

In addition to returning to Madrid in 2026, the NFL will play its first-ever game in Australia in Melbourne with the Los Angeles Rams as one of the participants. There will also be three games in London and one each in Munich, Germany, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with additional games to be announced.

–Field Level Media

Nov 16, 2025; Madrid, Spain; Fans watch action between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders in the fourth quarter during the 2025 NFL Madrid Game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Report: NFL to return to Madrid in 2026

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The NFL intends to return to Spain in 2026 with a game at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium, The Athletic reported Saturday.

Negotiations are underway for the 2026 season with plans to put more games in Madrid beyond next season, per the report.

The stadium hosted one of seven NFL international games in 2025. On Nov. 16, the Miami Dolphins edged the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime in the NFL’s first game at the Bernabeu.

In 2025, the NFL played three games in London, one in Berlin, one in Dublin and one in Sao Paolo, in addition to Madrid.

As of December, the NFL had announced international games would be played in 2026 in Melbourne, sending the league to Australia for the first time; Rio de Janeiro; London; Mexico City; and Munich. More games were expected to be added to the schedule.

–Field Level Media

Dolphins go overtime to knock off Commanders in Spain

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Riley Patterson’s 29-yard field goal with 7:37 remaining in overtime lifted the Miami Dolphins to a 16-13 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Madrid, Spain.

The winning score was set up when Jack Jones intercepted Washington quarterback Marcus Mariota on the first play of the extra period and returned it to the Commanders’ 33-yard line.

De’Von Achane, who led the Dolphins with 120 rushing yards on 21 carries and 165 all-purpose yards, got Miami 22 yards closer on three carries to set up Patterson’s game-winner.

It was Achane’s third consecutive 100-yard rushing game as Miami (4-7) won back-to-back contests for the first time this season.

Mariota, who made his second consecutive start for the Commanders at quarterback for an injured Jayden Daniels (elbow), completed 20 of 30 passes for 213 yards and one touchdown. But his lone interception set Washington (3-8) on the path to its sixth consecutive defeat.

Each team had chances to take the lead in regulation.

Washington’s Mike Sainristil muffed a punt and Dolphins’ defensive back Ethan Bonner recovered at the Washington 42 with 4:11 left.

The Dolphins drove to Washington’s 1 before Achane was stopped cold by Javon Kinlaw for no gain on third and goal. Miami went for it on 4th and goal instead of kicking a go-ahead field goal, and Ollie Gordon II was stuffed for a 1-yard loss, turning the ball over on downs with 1:41 left.

Washington’s push into Miami territory ended with Matt Gay missing a 56-yard field goal with 15 seconds left in regulation.

Earlier in the fourth, the Commanders also went for it on fourth and goal from Miami’s 2 instead of trying a go-ahead field goal. Mariota slipped as he threw and the throw sailed out of the reach of Zach Ertz, ending the drive with 6:03 left.

The Commanders broke a 6-6 tie in the third quarter with the game’s first touchdown when Mariota found Deebo Samuel on a quick screen. The 20-yard score put Washington ahead 13-6. Samuel finished the game with seven receptions for 74 yards.

The Dolphins tied the game 13-13 with 12:36 remaining on a 1-yard touchdown run by Gordon, which capped a 10-play, 53-yard drive.

–Field Level Media

Feb 5, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at a press conference in advance of Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Madrid to host NFL regular-season game in 2025

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The NFL will play a regular-season game in Madrid in 2025, the league announced Friday.

Spain’s capital city is the first new market to be confirmed for the 2025 International Games. Madrid will become the fourth European city to host a regular-season contest, joining London, Frankfurt (Germany) and Munich (Germany).

The game will be played at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home to Spanish soccer club Real Madrid C.F.

“Playing a game in Madrid in 2025 highlights the continued expansion of the league’s global footprint and the accelerated ambitions to take our game to more fans around the world,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. “We are proud to partner with Real Madrid C.F., a global brand, together with the City of Madrid and Comunidad de Madrid, to bring a spectacular regular season game to Spain at the world-class Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.”

Sao Paulo, Brazil, will host the first NFL regular-season game in South America during the upcoming season. The Philadelphia Eagles will face a yet-to-be determined opponent in Week 1 on Friday, Sept. 6.

–Field Level Media