The NFL will play regular-season games in Munich, Germany, in 2026 and 2028 at FC Bayern Munich Stadium. This continues the league's international expansion in a market with over 20 million fans, the largest in Europe. The announcement includes a multi-year partnership with the City of Munich and FC Bayern Munich to host these events and develop flag football.
The National Football League announced on Wednesday that it will return to Munich, Germany, for regular-season games in 2026 and 2028. The games will take place at FC Bayern Munich Stadium, which previously hosted NFL contests in 2022 and 2024.
In 2022, the Seattle Seahawks faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the venue, marking the first regular-season game in Germany. The 2024 matchup featured the New York Giants against the Carolina Panthers. These events have helped solidify Munich's role in the NFL's global strategy.
Germany boasts more than 20 million NFL fans, the largest fanbase in Europe. As part of the partnership with the City of Munich and FC Bayern Munich, the league plans to expand flag football, a non-contact version of the sport set to debut in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. NFL Flag was launched in Germany in 2020 and has reached over 40,000 young athletes through school programs and local leagues.
"Germany is of huge strategic importance for the NFL in Europe, and our return to Munich signals the league’s long-term commitment to playing games in the market," said NFL DACH general manager Alexander Steinforth. "As the first host of regular-season games in Germany, Munich holds a very special place in the hearts of our fans."
Munich Mayor Verena Dietl expressed enthusiasm: "I am delighted about the extension of our contract with the NFL, which once again demonstrates the importance and strength of Munich as a sports city." Jürgen Muth, managing director of Allianz Arena GmbH, added that the stadium offers modern infrastructure and a unique atmosphere for American football.
This announcement aligns with broader NFL international efforts, including confirmed games in Berlin for 2027 and 2029, and 2026 matchups in Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, and London.
