The NFL on Tuesday announced the Atlanta Falcons would be the first team to play in Spain.
The Falcons will take on an opponent to be named at the Bernabéu, which is the home of soccer power Real Madrid.
“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,” Atlanta president and CEO Greg Beadles said on the league’s website. “The Falcons are honored to play a role in advancing the NFL’s international growth.”
The game in Spain is one of nine NFL international contests. Here is where games will be held and the one team tied to the location.
• London: Jaguars (two games)
• London: Commanders
• Paris: Saints
• Madrid: Falcons
• Munich: Lions
• Mexico City: 49ers
• Melbourne: 49ers
• Rio de Janeiro: Cowboys
Could Chiefs play an international game?
The opponents for those nine international games will be revealed this spring when the NFL releases the entire 2026 schedule.
Only one of those international games could feature the Chiefs, and it’s the one announced Tuesday.
The Chiefs play nine road games in the 2026 season, and the Falcons are the only opponent with an international contest scheduled. If the Chiefs aren’t picked to play Atlanta in Spain, then they won’t be traveling abroad.
A year ago, the Chiefs opened the season against the Chargers in Brazil.
There also is a chance the Chiefs could play in the NFL Kickoff Game. The Super Bowl LX champion Seahawks will play host to the Chiefs in the 2026 season.
Chiefs’ 2026 opponents
Road games: Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks.
Home games: Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers.