NFL Commissioner Goodell Predicts Teams Abroad

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell expressed firm confidence that NFL teams will eventually play outside the United States. In an interview with former NFL player Markus Kuhn for German broadcaster RTL/ntv, Goodell stated, “At some point, there will be NFL teams outside the USA. I have no doubt that this will happen one day.”

Goodell also addressed the possibility of hosting a Super Bowl overseas, noting that international cities are potential candidates for such an event. “There are definitely international cities that could host something like that. … But we would like to see an NFL team in such a city first,” he mentioned.

The NFL has a long history of hosting international regular-season games, dating back to 2005 when the Arizona Cardinals faced the San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca. Since then, the league has actively worked on expanding its global presence.

Lately, Wembley Stadium in London has served as the primary venue for NFL games outside the U.S., with the Jacksonville Jaguars playing at least one game there every season since 2013, except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NFL’s commitment to international play is evident, with a record-setting nine international games scheduled for the 2026 season.

These upcoming games will feature the league’s inaugural visits to cities like Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, and Paris, along with more familiar locations such as Mexico City, Munich, Madrid, and London.

Goodell has consistently expressed his dedication to making the NFL a global sport, previously mentioning his vision for the league to conduct 16 games in international markets should they shift to an 18-game schedule.

In light of the ambitious plans, Peter O’Reilly, the NFL’s executive vice president for international and league events, remarked in September 2025 that while the idea of hosting a Super Bowl overseas is appealing, the league remains focused on managing Super Bowls within the U.S. for now. “Given the great demand and the great impact of those Super Bowls in the U.S. and the great number of both interested and fantastic Super Bowl cities,” he explained, adding that weather is another crucial factor.

Goodell’s recent comments indicate a future where the NFL’s reach transcends borders, paving the way for new fans and markets around the world, as they continue to build on their international presence.