NFL secures multi-year agreement to return to Santiago Bernabéu in 2026 and 2027

The National Football League announced Monday that it will return to Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid for regular-season games in 2026 and 2027 under a multi-year agreement with Real Madrid, the Madrid regional government, and Madrid city authorities.

The announcement follows the stadium's inaugural NFL game on November 16, 2025, when the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders 16–13 in overtime. That matchup marked the first official NFL game ever played in Spain.

The 2026 game date remains to be determined, while the 2027 fixture has not yet been officially scheduled. The agreement represents a continuation of the league's international expansion strategy across multiple territories.

Rafa De los Santos, NFL director for Spain, said in a statement that the multi-year commitment to Madrid, described as a world-class cultural and sports destination, reinforces the league's dedication to the Spanish market. "It allows us to continue connecting with fans throughout the year and to invest in long-term initiatives and youth participation across the country," De los Santos said.

The announcement was made official through a video posted on the official Instagram account of NFL Spain, which featured Madrid landmarks and included a welcome message from Real Madrid's Brazilian winger Vinícius Jr., who said "Welcome home, friends of the NFL. See you at Bernabéu."

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated during the November game in Madrid that the league would return to the city, consistent with its approach in other territories where it has established a presence.

Spain became the seventh country to host NFL regular-season games as part of the league's international expansion efforts. The Santiago Bernabéu, home to the 15-time European champion Real Madrid, is the first Spanish venue to host the league's games under this multi-year arrangement.