Football fans are a passionate bunch. Just think back to the last time you watched a National Football League (NFL) game at your favorite brewpub on Sunday or when you hosted a Super Bowl watch party and your favorite team was playing.
Now think of those iconic rivalries, fan traditions, and more taking to the international stage. While 2026 won’t be the first time teams take each other on outside of the United States, it’s the first time the NFL International Games will be played in seven countries and feature a record-breaking nine games.
“The NFL’s global expansion is fueling a new era of sports tourism, with fans traveling farther and building international trips around marquee events. NFL International Games are bigger than football. They give host cities a global stage to showcase their culture and pride. In partnership with the NFL, we create hospitality experiences that connect the energy of the game with the identity of each destination, driving record-breaking results year after year,” said Paul Caine, President of On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the NFL.
This year, the NFL International Games kick off on September 10 in Melbourne, Australia, where the San Francisco 49ers will take on the LA Rams. But throughout the regular season, the NFL will head to plenty of other places, including France, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, and England. Even better, each of these games is being played in a destination you can make an entire trip out of, whether that’s through official ticket packages that include events and transportation, or just exploring a new city on your own.
If you’re thinking about getting tickets to one of these games, or already booked your tickets and looking for suggestions on where to stay and what to do outside of the game, keep reading.
Melbourne, Australia on September 10, 2026
Matchup: San Francisco 49ers vs. LA Rams
AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank
If you’re thinking about flying halfway around the world to Melbourne, Australia, for the NFL game between the 49ers and the Rams, there are things you need to know. According to Kayak, this is the priciest NFL game to attend. Flights average about $1,188 per person, with a three-night hotel adding to the cost, totaling about $1,900 to get to the city and have a place to sleep. But it could be worth the splurge if you really want to make a vacation out of an NFL game.
Consider staying at AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank, which is close to the beach and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where the NFL game is being held. The hotel is about a 30-minute tram ride from the stadium. Between touchdowns and exploring Melbourne, you can enjoy the hotel’s spacious infinity pool overlooking the city.
Some destinations not to miss while enjoying your sports-themed vacation include the Royal Botanic Gardens, the beach town of St Kilda, and enjoying local coffee shops since the city is known as Australia’s coffee capital.
Related: 9 Bucket-List Sporting Events to Plan Your 2026 Summer Vacation Around
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, on September 27, 2026
Matchup: Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts.
When the Ravens take on the Cowboys in September, there’s no better place to call home than at the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort. The property is the only beachfront resort in the city, making it a must-stay. Additionally, the hotel offers complimentary shuttles to Leblon Beach for those who want to spend a day in the sand. The hotel is about 30 minutes from Maracanã Stadium by car.
While you’re in Rio, be sure to ride the cable car up to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and take in the sights and sounds of Copacabana Beach.
London, England, on October 4 and 11, 2026
Matchup: Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders, then Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Friendly Planet
The London games may be the best travel deal of them all because you could link two or three games together in one trip. While this could be better for flights, the tradeoff is that hotels are more expensive.
Consider staying at The Stafford London. The hotel is located in the heart of St. James, with Tube stations just around the corner. While the ride on the Tube to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium takes about 40 minutes both ways, it’s worth it for a hotel right in the middle of one of London’s best neighborhoods. Besides plenty of dining and drinking options, you’re within walking distance to some of London’s best tourist attractions, like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
If you’re looking for an easy way to experience an NFL game in London, Global tour operator Friendly Planet is offering a five-day small group trip to London when the Eagles and Jaguars face off on October 11. The package includes round-trip airfare, all ground transportation, three nights in a nearby hotel, four meals, tickets to the game, and plenty of time to explore the city on your own.
Related: World Cup Fever Is Turning These 4 Viral Soccer Nations Into the Year’s Hottest Travel Destinations
London, England, on October 18, 2026
Matchup: Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Hilton
While the first two London games are being held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the final game of the series is at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, where the Texans and Jaguars will face off. Between the excitement of the division rivalry and exploring London, make your home at the Hilton London Wembley. The hotel is just an eight-minute walk to the stadium, making game day easier.
Even better, the hotel is just a short walk from Wembley Park Station, where you can hop on the London Underground to the city’s best tourist attractions such as the British Museum or a show at the West End.
Paris, France, on October 25 2026
Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints
Hilton
A trip to Paris is always a good idea, but add on an NFL game, and you’ve got a great trip ahead. Stay in the heart of Paris at the Hilton Paris Opera, a stunning 1889 building that exudes Parisian charm. I’ve been lucky enough to stay here, and it’s a convenient spot for all the major tourist attractions, like the Eiffel Tower just 15 minutes away, and the Louvre and Montmartre within a short distance. Even better, just outside of the hotel is a metro station, which can get you within a few minutes’ walk to Stade de France.
Madrid, Spain, on November 8, 2026
Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons
On Location
If getting to one of the European NFL games is on your travel must-dos this year, Madrid may be the best option. It has the cheapest average airfare of the five European destinations, at about $785, and hotels are on the cheaper side at around $262 per night.
There are plenty of budget-friendly hotel options in Madrid like the AC Hotel Aitana, which is just a short walk to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, making game day easy. On the other hand, travelers looking for an upscale option in the heart of the city will love Rosewood Villa Magna. The 154-room hotel is right in the middle of Madrid’s Salamanca district, known for its shopping and dining, plus easy access to local landmarks. Even better for those attending the game, the property is just 15 minutes from Bernabéu Stadium via public transportation.
Related: The One City You Should Visit Before It Gets Overrun by Tourists, According to Experts
Munich, Germany, on November 15, 2026
Matchup: New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions
The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel
If you’re looking for an easy way to bundle flights, hotels, game day tickets, and more, On Location has you covered. The hospitality provider offers a range of ticket and travel packages, from single-day packages that include a ticket to the Munich game, an Oktoberfest rally, and public transportation, all the way to packages that include flights, four nights at a luxury hotel, round-trip transportation from the airport and game, and plenty of fun before and after the game.
Football fans who want to have more freedom with their trip have plenty of hotel options near the stadium, but one that stands out is The Charles Hotel. Each of the property’s accommodations was recently redesigned and is inspired by Munich’s Old Botanical Gardens. Even better, if you’re traveling with a large group, the property offers multi-bedroom suites, so everyone can stay together but have their own space. The Charles Hotel is a five-minute walk from the main train station. Then it’s just about 20 minutes by train to Allianz Arena.
Related: 5 ‘Secret’ European Islands to Add to Your Bucket List
Mexico City, Mexico, on November 22, 2026
Matchup: Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers
Hilton
According to Kayak, this is the cheapest game of the nine international NFL games to attend. The average airfare to the city is just $494, and hotels average about $223 per night. One great place to make your home base is Umbral, Curio Collection by Hilton. The property is housed in a historic building dating back over 100 years in the heart of downtown Mexico City. The art-centric hotel features more than 100 pieces from local artists, plus an outdoor rooftop pool, four restaurants, an expansive vinyl collection, a mini-cinema, and more right at your fingertips. The hotel is about a 40-minute drive to the Estadio Banorte, where the Vikings will take on the 49ers.
While there are plenty of things to do in the city, you must visit Handshake Speakeasy, which was named one of North America’s 50 best bars. It’s about three miles from the hotel, but worth the taxi or ride-share fee. Drinks can take about two days to fully craft, making each cocktail special and worth savoring.
Related: I’m an ‘Experiences’ Writer—You Can’t Miss These 9 Bucket-List Sporting Events This Summer
