Atlanta Falcons selected as home team for NFL’s 2026 Madrid showcase

The NFL announced that the Atlanta Falcons will serve as the designated home team for a 2026 regular-season game in Madrid, Spain, marking another step in the league’s international expansion.

The Falcons confirmed the news, posting on social media: “¡Vamos a Madrid! See you in Spain, Dirty Birds ”

The matchup will take place at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. Details regarding the Falcons’ opponent, along with the official date and kickoff time, will be announced when the full 2026 schedule is released this spring. European games typically begin at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Falcons’ team president and CEO Greg Beadles praised the opportunity, noting the connection between Atlanta and Madrid as both cities prepare to host major global sporting events. He said in a press release:  “We are incredibly proud to be part of an NFL regular-season game in Madrid at the iconic Bernabéu. 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. On behalf of our entire organization, we are excited to experience Spain’s rich culture and to collaborate with outstanding partners including Real Madrid C.F., the city of Madrid and the Comunidad de Madrid. The Falcons are honored to play a role in advancing the NFL’s international growth.”

This will be Atlanta’s sixth regular-season contest outside the United States and its fourth overseas appearance in the past six years. The Falcons played in Berlin last season and have previously competed in London and Toronto. They hold a 1-3 record in international play.

Madrid hosted its first NFL regular-season game on Nov. 16, when the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders in front of nearly 80,000 fans at the Bernabéu. League officials say interest in American football continues to surge in Spain, calling the Falcons’ visit another milestone for the sport’s growth there.

The Madrid game is one of a record nine international matchups scheduled for 2026. Other host cities include Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Munich, Mexico City and three games in London. The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are already confirmed for the Australia contest, while the 49ers will also play in Mexico. The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to appear in three London games, and the Detroit Lions will compete in Germany.

Because NFC teams have nine home games in 2026, Atlanta will still host eight contests at home in Georgia. Potential opponents for the Madrid trip will come from the Falcons’ scheduled home slate, though some teams — including Detroit, San Francisco and New Orleans — have already been assigned other international appearances.

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