Santiago Bernabéu Secures Second Consecutive NFL Regular Season Game.

Roger Hampel

Image: Real Madrid

The National Football League has confirmed that it will stage another regular season game at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in 2026, extending its presence in Madrid following the successful game played in November 2025.

The decision forms part of a multi-year agreement between the NFL, the City Council of Madrid, the Community of Madrid and Real Madrid, positioning the Bernabéu as a recurring venue within the league’s international regular season strategy.

Bernabéu as a Multi-Sport Venue Asset NFL

From a football business perspective, the return of the NFL underlines the strategic role of the renovated Santiago Bernabéu as a multi-purpose, revenue-generating venue capable of hosting global sports properties beyond football.

The 2025 NFL Madrid Game, played between the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders, served as a proof of concept for the stadium’s operational capacity, international broadcast reach and appeal to non-football audiences.

The 2026 game announcement was made at the Bernabéu and involved representatives from the Community of Madrid, the Madrid City Council, Real Madrid and the NFL, reinforcing the institutional framework behind the partnership.

Executive Comments

Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Community of Madrid, said:“This agreement shows that Madrid is prepared to host major global events. It reflects a way of life that combines culture, gastronomy and an open, welcoming spirit, while demonstrating the city’s ability to deliver large-scale international sports spectacles.”

José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid, commented:“Madrid is an NFL city because it loves sport. Hosting one of the world’s most prestigious sports competitions strengthens Madrid’s position as a leading global sports capital.”

Emilio Butragueño, Director of Institutional Relations at Real Madrid, added:“For Real Madrid, it is an honour for the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to host the NFL again. This agreement strengthens the alliance between the club, public institutions and the NFL, and reinforces the global image of Madrid and Spain.”

Rafa de los Santos, NFL Director in Spain, said:“The 2025 game at the Bernabéu was a key moment for American football in Spain. Confirming another regular season game in 2026 under this multi-year agreement demonstrates our commitment to the Spanish market and allows us to continue connecting with fans throughout the year.”