The NFL is set to return to Madrid in 2026, bringing regular-season games to the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid C.F., as part of a multiyear partnership with the City of Madrid and Comunidad de Madrid. Last year’s NFL game in Madrid was widely hailed as a turning point for the sport in Spain, and league officials see the return as an opportunity to deepen engagement with local fans while investing in the growth of football at all levels across the country.
Rafa De Los Santos, NFL Spain’s country manager, emphasized that Madrid is a “world-class cultural and sporting destination” and that the league’s commitment will allow for year-round programs, including NFL Flag, which introduces young players to the sport through non-contact football. Real Madrid Director of Institutional Relations Emilio Butragueño reflected on the impact of last year’s matchup, saying the agreement would continue to showcase Madrid to a global audience while demonstrating how sports can unite fans across continents.
Spain’s NFL fan base now reaches roughly 11 million, and the league has already begun laying the groundwork for the future. NFL Flag launched in Spain in 2024 and has quickly expanded to schools in Madrid, Barcelona, and Zaragoza, with plans for further growth through collaboration with the Federación Española de Fútbol Americano. The program will also give young athletes a pathway to the Olympic debut of flag football at Los Angeles 2028. Several NFL teams, including the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, and Miami Dolphins, are also actively building their presence in Spain through marketing initiatives that include fan engagement, events, and commercial opportunities.
The Madrid game will be part of a broader international schedule in 2026, which includes matchups in Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Munich, and London. With 62 regular-season games already played worldwide, the NFL continues to bring its sport to new audiences while fostering local talent and fan communities. Tickets and additional information for the 2026 Madrid game will be available through the official NFL Spain channels.
