The NFL’s international slate got off to a mixed but memorable start in 2026. The season’s first overseas matchup in Melbourne ended in a one-sided 49ers victory over the Rams — not the most thrilling game, but notable nonetheless. The following international contest in Rio de Janeiro, however, delivered instant drama: the Ravens and Cowboys traded momentum throughout, and Baltimore won on the final play, giving Rio an exciting debut as an NFL host. Brazil’s three recent games have all been close one-score affairs, and viewership numbers were strong.
Not every overseas fixture is shaping up to be as compelling. Ticket sales for Sunday’s London game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium between the Colts and Commanders have been sluggish, prompting the league to lower prices; neither club has been particularly inspiring so far, and Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is listed as questionable with an elbow issue. Still, there are other international matchups with broader appeal. Two games are in the books (49ers-Rams in Melbourne and Ravens-Cowboys in Rio), and seven remain: six in Europe and one in Mexico. With that schedule in mind, here’s a look at how the remaining international games stack up for watchability, star power and intrigue.
1. Vikings-49ers — Mexico City (Week 11)
This matchup could be the biggest on the remaining calendar. As things stand both teams opened 3-0, and barring a major collapse the game at Estadio Banorte should matter in the standings. Schematically it’s compelling: Kyle Shanahan’s offense versus Brian Flores’ stout defense — Flores has had success containing Shanahan before, and Minnesota ranks highly in sacks and several defensive metrics. The 49ers’ offense looks dangerous if their receiving corps gets healthier, and Brock Purdy has been an early MVP candidate, boasting strong efficiency and, through three games, avoiding sacks. Both clubs project as playoff contenders, so Week 11 in Mexico could be a heavyweight clash.
2. Eagles-Jaguars — London (Week 5)
Jacksonville has mostly validated its 2025 breakout, with Liam Coen’s offense rolling and the defense making timely plays. Philadelphia has looked shaky at times — narrow wins early and a heavy loss in Chicago have raised questions — and the Eagles will be coming off a tough matchup with the Rams before heading to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Still, this pits two potential division winners and two dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks (Trevor Lawrence and Jalen Hurts) against each other, coached by offensive-minded leaders in Coen and Nick Sirianni. Both franchises can draw sizable traveling fanbases; their last overseas meeting (Wembley, 2018) drew an 85,870 crowd, so expect strong interest.
3. Texans-Jaguars — London (Week 6)
Placing Houston this high carries risk given their 0-3 start, but remember they were 0-3 last year before finishing 12-5 and reaching the playoffs. Jacksonville’s 2-1 start gives them the edge, and the Wembley game will count as a Jaguars “home” fixture. If the Texans continue to struggle — for example, by dropping to 0-4 after a loss to the Cowboys — this game would lose luster; conversely, if Houston righted the ship with a bounce-back win in Week 4 and steadied itself, the matchup could be competitive. On paper it’s a divisional tilt that could be more interesting by the time it’s played.
4. Patriots-Lions — Munich (Week 10)
Another pick that requires some optimism. New England’s offense has been slow to start, and rookie QB Drake Maye has drawn scrutiny. Detroit (2-1) has also shown vulnerability, allowing 24+ points in each game and narrowly avoiding a losing start. On the upside, both teams could be playing better by Week 10 — especially if the Patriots get A.J. Brown back and the Lions see the return of Brian Branch — and the game should have local buzz: Amon-Ra St. Brown is already well-known among German fans, and the Patriots have been an NFL marketing presence in Germany for years. Even if one or both teams are underperforming, Munich should provide an energetic setting.
5. Bengals-Falcons — Madrid (Week 9)
This one’s a swing game — it could be a shootout or a dud depending on how circumstances unfold. Much depends on Michael Penix Jr. and how he sustains his starting role; his Week 3 debut was encouraging and gave Atlanta a shot in the arm. The Falcons may also regain James Pearce Jr. (eligible for reinstatement Nov. 2) and could have A.J. Terrell back from a groin issue. Cincinnati looked excellent before a Week 3 setback against Pittsburgh; they face a mixed slate before Spain (Jaguars and Ravens are tough, Dolphins and Titans more manageable) and have stayed relatively healthy, with possible returns from WR Andrei Iosivas and corners Ja’Sir Taylor and Jalen Davis. At full strength both offenses can explode, so Madrid could surprise.
6. Steelers-Saints — Paris (Week 7)
Both clubs have had uneven early seasons: the Saints were in position to be 2-1 before a late collapse, while the Steelers rallied to a statement win over the Bengals. Each team still could mount a playoff push, although they also might fade out of contention. The matchup carries name recognition — Aaron Rodgers adds star appeal, and Saints QB Tyler Shough has been among the passing leaders through three games. It’s also special for being the NFL’s first game in France at Stade de France; the Saints have international marketing ties there and are the designated “home” team, but Pittsburgh’s fans travel well, so it should be lively regardless.
7. Colts-Commanders — London (Week 4)
This one currently ranks lowest largely because of its early-season profiles and injury concerns. Jayden Daniels traveled to London but is unlikely to play, with Marcus Mariota expected to start after a strong relief performance that helped the Commanders beat the Seahawks. The Colts avoided an 0-3 hole with a dramatic Week 3 win over the Texans, but their pass defense will be tested and Daniel Jones’ turnovers (five in three games) are a concern. A 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff and two 1-2 teams with subpar point differentials have kept interest muted, and Daniels’ questionable status further dampened the buzz.
Fan Take: These international games matter because they turn the NFL into a truly global spectacle — competitive, high-profile matchups abroad can grow the fanbase, boost TV ratings, and attract new markets. If the league consistently delivers close, star-filled contests overseas, it will strengthen the NFL’s international foothold and shape future scheduling and marketing decisions.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
