Ranking 2026 NFL season’s all 9 international games across 7 different countries

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Ranking 2026 NFL season’s all 9 international games across 7 different countries

Ben Strauss, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Wed, May 13, 2026 ·

5 min read

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The 2026 NFL schedule release is almost here. But that does not mean that fans have to wait until Thursday night to get excited. The NFL released its complete slate of international games before the upcoming release of the entire regular season schedule.

This year, the NFL will travel to seven different countries and play a total of nine international games. But which ones will be the most exciting for fans?

Here is a ranking of all nine international games that will be played during the 2026 NFL season.

9. Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders – Week 4 (London)

This should still be a great matchup, but it features the least pop of any game on this list.

Indianapolis will be under pressure to stack some wins early after starting the 2025 season 8-2. Meanwhile, Washington will be attempting a bounce-back season with a reloaded defense that could pose problems for their opponent.

Daniel Jones and Jayden Daniels could make this an exciting game to watch. But that is not enough to place them higher in this ranking.

8. Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers – Week 11 (Mexico City)

One reason why this game is so low is because it is a potential blowout.

San Francisco will be a competitive team in the NFC this fall, especially if they can stay healthier than last season. Meanwhile, Minnesota has a questionable quarterback room that could become an ugly competition like it was in 2025.

The 49ers have more talent and the coaching advantage. It would be shocking if they lost this game.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints – Week 7 (France)

Pittsburgh and New Orleans are two up-and-coming teams that could outperform their spot on this list ranking.

The French roots of New Orleans could make the Saints the de facto home team in this matchup. But the Steelers will not go down without a fight.

This game might rank higher if Aaron Rodgers were officially back with the Steelers.

6. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons – Week 9 (Spain)

The NFL is sending two star-studded rosters to play in Spain.

Cincinnati should be in the thick of the AFC playoff race by Week 9. Joe Burrow , Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins are always exciting to watch. But this time, they'll have an elite d-line headlined by Dexter Lawrence backing them up.

But Atlanta has star power of their own. Bijan Robinson , Drake London , and Kyle Pitts will do whatever they can to keep up with the Bengals' high-powered offense.

This game also has some blowout potential if neither Tua Tagovailoa nor Michael Penix Jr. can play well at quarterback for the Falcons.

5. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – Week 5 (London)

Philadelphia will be on a mission to get back to the playoffs in 2026 after going one-and-done last season.

The Eagles had a strong offseason, as usual, compared to the Jaguars who received plenty of criticism for their draft haul .

This game should be a huge test for the Jaguars. But either team could come out of this one with a win.

4. Houston Texas vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – Week 6 (London)

Divisional matchups always that extra edge to them. London fans should appreciate that dynamic to this game, given its similarities to Europe's passionate football culture of its own.

Jacksonville will face a tough task defending Trevor Lawrence from Houston's elite defensive line.

Houston is one team that is expected to make a leap forward in 2026. If the Texans can protect CJ Stroud better than last season then this game could be endlessly exciting.

But it may not feature many points.

3. New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions – Week 10 (Germany)

There's a lot to like about this matchup, beyond simply looking like a good game on paper.

New England is a popular team around the globe after Tom Brady 's dominant reign for most of the 21st century. Their recent trip back to the Super Bowl only helps increase their appeal to an international audience.

As for Detroit, it was only a matter of time before the NFL sent Amon-Ra St. Brown to play in Germany . St. Brown's mother grew up in Leverkusen and the 26-year-old superstar speaks fluent German.

It will be exciting to see which team has more fans in attendance at this one.

2. Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens – Week 3 (Brazil)

The Cowboys and Ravens are two of the most iconic NFL franchises.

Both teams are loaded with star power and will come into Week 3 extremely motivated to get a win. Dak Prescott and Lamar Jackson are more than capable of creating fireworks on the field, so the fans in Brazil should be thrilled.

Dallas and their high-powered offense going up against Baltimore's new-look Jesse Minter defense will be the matchup to watch in this one.

1.Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers – Week 1 (Australia)

This is the first regular season game to be played in Australia. It will also be one of the first games of the entire regular season.

Rams vs. 49ers gets the top spot on the list because it is a divisional matchup with huge playoff implications.

LA will enter the season as a trendy Super Bowl pick, but San Francisco should also look like NFC contenders. The result of this matchup could set the stage for the NFC West division race right out of the gates.

Australian fans can count on Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay to put on a show Down Under.

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