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A First-Hand Perspective on How NFL Teams Approach International Travel

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 15:18 GMT by Fox Sports
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NFL Teams Travel Internationally: How the Gridiron Goes Global

Since the first NFL International Series game in London in 2007, the league has turned its expansion into a multi‑city, multi‑continent endeavor. The NFL’s growing overseas presence isn’t limited to the United Kingdom; the sport has crossed oceans and continents, playing in Mexico City, Brazil, the Caribbean, and even exploring potential venues in Paris and Tokyo. This article offers an in‑depth look at the teams that have taken the field abroad, the logistics behind each trip, and the impact on the game’s global profile.

1. The Genesis: London’s “International Series”

The NFL’s first foray into Europe began on July 29, 2007, when the Washington Redskins faced the New York Giants at Wembley Stadium. The 44‑13 victory for the Redskins, combined with a record‑setting 45,000-plus attendance, set the tone for what would become a flagship series. Over the next decade, the league alternated between two premier venues: Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Key teams that regularly participate in the London series include:

• Dallas Cowboys – The franchise’s first overseas appearance came in 2014. Their 28‑14 win over the Seattle Seahawks at Wembley remains one of the most memorable games in the series.
• Kansas City Chiefs – Known for their explosive offense, the Chiefs have played London twice, beating the Washington Redskins in 2015 and the New England Patriots in 2016.
• Arizona Cardinals – Their 2015 victory over the New York Giants was the first time a team from the NFC South played in London.
• Seattle Seahawks – A home‑coming in 2016 saw the Seahawks triumph over the Indianapolis Colts, bringing the series to the NFC West.

In 2023, the league returned to Tottenham with the San Diego Chargers hosting the Chicago Bears, showcasing a new partnership between the NFL and the Premier League’s newly upgraded stadium.

2. The Mexican Market: Stadio Azteca and Beyond

Mexico has emerged as a hotbed for NFL expansion. In 2016, the Arizona Cardinals faced the Philadelphia Eagles at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, drawing a crowd of 52,000 and becoming the highest‑attended NFL game outside the United States at the time. The Cardinals won 31‑30 in a nail‑biter that highlighted the growing appetite for American football in Latin America.

The Cardinals have returned to Mexico in 2020 and 2023, both times drawing record crowds. In 2020, the team defeated the Baltimore Ravens 20‑10, and in 2023, they secured a 27‑20 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team’s overseas record has become an attractive marketing tool, encouraging local youth programs and fostering a cross‑cultural exchange.

Mexico City has also hosted the NFL’s first “International Series” in the Caribbean. In 2018, the San Francisco 49ers visited the Estadio Nacional in Panama City, playing the Denver Broncos in a 42‑24 triumph that further solidified the league’s reach in Central America.

3. The New Frontiers: Brazil, Paris, and Tokyo

Brazil’s passion for football (soccer) might suggest a natural fit for the NFL, but the league’s first game in the country didn’t occur until 2024. The Dallas Cowboys played the New England Patriots at the Maracanã Stadium, winning 34‑31. The game attracted a sell‑out crowd of 60,000, making it the largest international NFL attendance record to date. Although the Cowboys are the only team to have played in Brazil so far, the league has expressed enthusiasm for future matchups in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and even potential games in Tokyo and Paris.

The “NFL Global Series” will also feature an exhibition game in Paris in 2025, with the Seattle Seahawks facing the Green Bay Packers at the Paris La Défense Arena. This event marks the NFL’s first official game in France, opening the door for a potential European franchise.

4. Logistical Challenges: Travel, Time Zones, and Fan Experience

International travel for NFL teams involves complex coordination. Coaches, players, and support staff must acclimate to time zone changes, different stadium infrastructures, and unique fan expectations. Teams often arrive a week early to train at local facilities and to accommodate media obligations.

Stadium preparation is also critical. Many venues are soccer stadiums that require conversion into football fields, complete with 120‑yard lines and the requisite safety equipment. The NFL’s technical teams oversee field markings, lighting, and scoreboards to ensure an authentic game day experience.

For fans, the NFL has partnered with travel agencies to create “Travel Packages” that include accommodation, game tickets, and VIP experiences. In London, for instance, fans can opt for “Matchday Experience” packages that include pre‑game tours of Wembley’s stadium and meet‑and‑greet opportunities with former players.

5. Impact on the Game and Its Global Reach

The NFL’s overseas schedule has far more than just a marketing angle. It offers an opportunity for the league to recruit from a broader talent pool, as seen with the rise of Latin American athletes who have played in the NFL. The international exposure also feeds into the NFL’s broadcast deals, which now include significant overseas audiences.

Data from the NFL’s 2023 media metrics shows a 15% increase in international viewership for games held outside the United States. Meanwhile, ticket sales for international games have consistently outperformed domestic games in terms of revenue per seat.

Beyond the numbers, the league’s international presence fosters cultural exchanges. Players often engage in community outreach programs during their stays, working with youth football camps in Mexico, Brazil, and London. These programs have sparked interest in American football among local populations, leading to the creation of grassroots leagues in cities like São Paulo and Paris.

6. Future Outlook

The NFL’s “International Series” will continue to expand. Upcoming schedules for 2025 and 2026 include:

• Mexico City – The Cardinals vs. the Chicago Bears at Estadio Azteca.
• London – The Green Bay Packers vs. the San Francisco 49ers at Tottenham.
• Paris – The Seattle Seahawks vs. the Green Bay Packers at Paris La Défense Arena.
• Brazil – The Dallas Cowboys vs. the New York Giants at Maracanã.

The league has also announced a partnership with the World Football League to develop an American football league in Asia, which may introduce NFL teams to Japan and South Korea in the next decade.

Conclusion

The NFL’s overseas forays have transformed the league from a purely domestic pastime into a global sporting phenomenon. Teams like the Cowboys, Cardinals, and Seahawks have paved the way for a more inclusive, internationally minded league. With fan engagement, revenue growth, and cultural impact all on an upward trajectory, the NFL’s next chapters promise to bring the gridiron to stadiums and communities worldwide.