The Cincinnati Bengals will kick off against the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid, Spain as part of the series of NFL International Games in 2026.
NFL.com said this will be the third time the Bengals have played internationally and their first time in Madrid. The team previously played in London in 2016 and 2019.
The game will take place on Sunday, November 8 at Bernabéu Stadium and will air on NFL Network.
Madrid hosted its first NFL international game last season as the league continues to strengthen its presence in Spain and focus on international growth.
Bernabéu Stadium established itself as a key venue for the NFL in Europe and is one of the most recognizable stadiums in the world.
Bengals Director of Strategy and Engagement Elizabeth Blackburn said, “We are excited to take the Bengals abroad again and build upon the incredible support of our global fanbase and help the league continue to grow the game of football across the world.
“This Madrid game is a special opportunity to showcase the passion, energy and community that define the Bengals’ fandom worldwide.”
Spain is an important market for the NFL globally with 11 million fans. As part of a broader multi-year commitment to growing the game at every level in Spain, the NFL will also focus on year-round efforts to develop NFL Flag across the country.
Flag football, the non‑contact format of the game, will make its debut as an Olympic sport in Los Angeles 2028 (LA28).
NFL Flag, the league’s official youth flag football program, launched in Spain in 2024 and is already reaching children in schools across Madrid, Barcelona and Zaragoza, with further expansion planned in partnership with Federación Española de Fútbol Americano (FEFA).
The Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins have marketing rights in Spain as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program, an initiative that awards NFL clubs marketing rights in markets outside of the U.S. to build brand awareness and fandom through fan engagement, events and commercial opportunities.
The Madrid game is one of nine NFL international games to be played in 2026 across four continents, seven countries and eight stadiums. Melbourne (Australia), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), London (U.K.), Paris (France), Madrid (Spain), Munich (Germany) and Mexico City (Mexico) will all host international games in 2026 as part of the league’s long-term commitment to global expansion.
Sixty-two regular season NFL games have been played around the world with London, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Madrid, Dublin, São Paulo, Mexico City and Toronto having hosted games to date.
Continue following Coliseum for the latest updates on sports venues, stadiums and arena business news worldwide.
Coliseum is dedicated to building a global community of sports and entertainment venue professionals helping create better and more profitable venues.
Become a member of the Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and industry experts from around the world. Apply for membership through the Global Sports Venue Alliance and access the 365Coliseum Business platform.