NFL in Madrid: A Historic Game at the Santiago Bernabéu

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A New Chapter in the NFL’s Global Journey

For the first time in history, the National Football League (NFL) will touch down in Spain. On Sunday, November 16, 2026, the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders will face off at the legendary Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. This marks a major step in the league’s ongoing international expansion and highlights Spain as a key destination in its growing European presence.

The game—dubbed the NFL Madrid Game 2026—is far more than a regular season matchup. It’s a cultural event that combines two sporting giants: the world’s most successful football club, Real Madrid, and the most powerful sports league in the United States. Together, they’ll bring American football to the heart of Spain in what many are calling a “mini Super Bowl.”

The Game and the Setting

Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM local time (9:30 AM ET), and the game will be broadcast internationally on NFL Network. The Dolphins, who hold exclusive marketing rights in Spain under the NFL’s Global Markets Program, will serve as the designated home team. The Commanders, fresh off a strong 2024 season that included a deep playoff run, are expected to bring plenty of excitement to Madrid.

The choice of venue is symbolic. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, freshly renovated in 2024 with cutting-edge technology and a €1.8 billion investment, is now one of the most advanced sports venues in the world. With nearly 80,000 seats, a retractable roof, and 360° video screens, the Bernabéu offers an immersive fan experience that rivals any stadium in the U.S.

The partnership between the NFL and Real Madrid wasn’t just a coincidence—it was the result of years of anticipation. Discussions about hosting an American football game in Spain date back decades, but it wasn’t until the Bernabéu’s renovation that the logistics became feasible. The previous version of the stadium simply couldn’t accommodate a full-size American football field.

A Global Strategy Takes Root in Spain

Spain becomes the fourth European nation to host an official NFL regular season game, joining the United Kingdom, Germany, and Ireland. The decision aligns with the NFL’s global strategy to strengthen its fan base and create local connections through culture and sport.

According to Rafael De Los Santos, NFL Spain’s Country Manager, the goal is clear: “NFL is in Spain to stay. We’re working closely with both the city and the country to make sure we keep it here on a regular basis.”

The NFL’s arrival also highlights Madrid’s reputation as a global sports capital. Known for its vibrant energy, art, and nightlife, the city’s passion for sport makes it an ideal host. From Champions League finals to tennis and basketball tournaments, Madrid has long proven capable of hosting large-scale international events. Now, it adds American football to that impressive list.

Tickets and Fan Experience

While official ticket prices have yet to be released, estimates based on previous European NFL games suggest a range between €75 and €350, depending on seat location and amenities. Premium packages will likely include VIP lounges and exclusive hospitality options.

Given the historic nature of the event, ticket demand is expected to skyrocket. Spanish fans of the Dolphins, already highly active online, are particularly eager for the game. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the NFL live in their home country.

Culture Meets Competition

The NFL Madrid Game is more than a sporting contest—it’s a celebration of culture and connection. The halftime show will feature major Latin artists including BIZARRAP and Daddy Yankee, following a pattern of the league’s increasing engagement with Hispanic and Latin American audiences. The move also builds toward the Super Bowl LX halftime show in San Francisco, led by Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny.

Spain’s role as a cultural bridge between Europe and Latin America gives this event a unique resonance. The country’s large Latin American community, particularly in Madrid, already embraces American sports culture, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Spain’s American Football Roots

Though this is the first NFL regular season game in Spain, the country’s connection with American football dates back decades. The Barcelona Dragons, founded in 1991, played in the old NFL Europe league and helped spark local interest. Spain even hosted an exhibition game in 1994 between the Los Angeles Raiders and Denver Broncos, drawing significant crowds.

In recent years, American football has made a quiet but steady comeback in Spain. The Madrid Bravos, launched in 2023, became the country’s second professional team and quickly reached the playoffs in their debut season in the European League of Football. Meanwhile, Spain’s women’s flag football team captured the European Championship in 2019, showing that the sport is gaining ground at every level.

A Shared Vision: Madrid and the NFL

Behind this milestone lies a partnership rooted in ambition. Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid’s president, envisioned the Bernabéu as more than just a football stadium—it’s a global entertainment hub. From concerts by Taylor Swift and Karol G to now hosting the NFL, the venue stands as a symbol of how sport and entertainment intersect in the 21st century.

Local journalist Iñako Díaz-Guerra summed it up well: “If you want to make the NFL popular in Spain, there isn’t a better partner than Real Madrid.”

Madrid’s government and local media have embraced the event wholeheartedly, seeing it as an opportunity to showcase the city’s versatility and global appeal. As De Los Santos puts it, “In every corner you go, you will breathe NFL.”

Conclusion: A New Era for Global Football

The NFL Madrid Game 2026 is more than just a first—it’s a statement. It signals the league’s commitment to embracing new cultures, new markets, and new fans. For Madrid, it’s another chance to shine on the global stage, merging the passion of Spanish sport with the spectacle of American football.

As the Dolphins and Commanders take the field under the Spanish sun, the world will witness a new kind of kickoff—one that blends cultures, traditions, and ambitions. This historic game won’t just be remembered as a sports event; it will stand as a milestone in the NFL’s mission to bring the game to every corner of the world.

Hala Madrid, and welcome to touchdown territory.

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