The NFL has announced today that the Atlanta Falcons will be one of the participating teams in the upcoming NFL Madrid Game 2026, to be played at the Santiago Bernabéu. The game will be one of the nine international NFL matches to be played in 2026 across four continents, seven countries, and eight stadiums, and will take place at the home of Real Madrid. According to EL MUNDO, the Chicago Bears, with commercial rights in Spain, are the favorites to be the Falcons' opponents. The Atlanta franchise is one of the teams with the most young talent, with promising (already realized) players like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, or Kyle Pitts leading their offense.
"The passion for the NFL in Spain has never been greater, and welcoming the Atlanta Falcons to Madrid for a regular-season game represents a historic moment for our growing fan base," said NFL Spain Director Rafa de los Santos, who added that "for the Falcons, stepping onto the Bernabéu field is a unique moment to compete in one of the great sports capitals of the world. For fans in Spain, it is an opportunity to experience firsthand the speed and intensity of the game, as well as top NFL athletes on a stage that will make this game unforgettable."
"We are incredibly proud to be part of a regular-season NFL game in Madrid, at the iconic Bernabéu," said Falcons President and CEO Greg Beadles. "Atlanta and Madrid are a natural combination, as we will host two group stage matches of the Spanish national soccer team in the upcoming FIFA World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This opportunity reflects the ongoing global growth of both the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons, and we look forward to deepening the connection with our European community by hosting another major sporting event at home and returning to Europe for the fourth time in six seasons. On behalf of our entire organization, we are excited to enjoy the rich culture of Spain and collaborate with exceptional partners such as Real Madrid CF, the Madrid City Council, and the Community of Madrid. For the Falcons, it is an honor to be part of the NFL's international growth."
Spain is an important market for the NFL globally, with 11 million fans following the competition to varying degrees. As part of a broader multi-year commitment and to drive the sport's growth at all levels in Spain, the NFL will also focus its efforts throughout the year on the development of NFL Flag in the country. Flag football, the non-contact version of the sport, will debut as an Olympic discipline in Los Angeles 2028 (LA28).