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Roger Goodell set the stage for the NFL expediting its expansion beyond the United States.
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In an interview with German media outlet RTL/ntv, Goodell told former NFL player Markus Kuhn that the league will inevitably have an international franchise.
“At some point, there will be NFL teams outside the USA,” Goodell said. “I have no doubt that this will happen one day.”
An NFL team establishing permanent roots outside the U.S. could also pave the way for the league’s first international Super Bowl.
“There are definitely international cities that could host something like that,” Goodell said. “But we would like to see an NFL team in such a city first.”
NFL eyes increased international presence
Goodell continues to set his sights on transforming the NFL from an American institution into a global phenomenon.
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The NFL first left the country for London in 2007, and the league has continued to find new international hosts. A record nine games will take place outside the United States this season.
That slate includes the league’s first foray into Australia for a Week 1 matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. The NFL, which made its Ireland debut last year, will also play in London, Madrid, Mexico City, Munich, Paris and Rio de Janeiro in 2026.
In May, NFL owners voted to allow up to 10 international games next year. Teams can also no longer protect any home games from international play.
Goodell has previously expressed the goal of moving to 16 international games per season, giving each team one game outside the United States.
“It’s the ambition we have to be a global sport,” Goodell said at a conference before Super Bowl LX in February. “But it’s also the demand we’re having. We’re hearing from cities that want to host these games and really want to get more American football.”
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This story was originally published August 18, 2026 at 7:33 AM.