The NFL is planning its most ambitious international schedule to date for the 2026 season. Matchups for all nine International Games, spanning four continents and seven countries, have been revealed. The Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers will each play twice internationally.
Rams and 49ers Head to Australia
The league’s Australian debut could be the most high-profile international game of the season, featuring NFC West rivals and 2025 playoff teams. The Los Angeles Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. Matthew Stafford and the Rams, who reached the NFC Championship Game last season, are aiming for a Super Bowl.
The game is also expected to mark the debut of Trent McDuffie, a new acquisition for the Rams. The 49ers, who made it to the Divisional Round last season, are expected to have Fred Warner and Nick Bosa back from injury. Fans will be keen to see Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey of the 49ers up against Stafford, Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams of the Rams.
Los Angeles has won four of the last five games in the Sean McVay-Kyle Shanahan rivalry. The game will be the season’s second game, following the Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks opening the year in the annual NFL Kickoff Game on a Wednesday.
Ravens and Cowboys to Clash in Brazil
For the third year in a row, the NFL will return to Brazil, this time with a game between the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys. Unlike previous games in South America, Baltimore and Dallas will play in Week 3. This allows both teams to scout each other using tape from the first couple of games.
The Ravens and Cowboys have only played each other seven times, with Baltimore holding a 6-1 record over Dallas. Lamar Jackson and Dak Prescott have only faced each other once, with Jackson triumphing in 2024. Dallas fell short, 28-25, despite a late comeback.
Prescott, supported by a revamped defence, will aim to level the score against Jackson on the international stage. The Ravens will be in their first season under head coach Jesse Minter.
NFL Returns to the United Kingdom
The NFL’s three-week stay in the United Kingdom will feature teams aiming to bounce back from disappointing seasons. Both teams are returning to Europe for a second straight year. The Commanders lost to the Miami Dolphins in Madrid.