The NFL has officially scheduled its return to Madrid for the 2026 season. The Cincinnati Bengals will face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 3:30 PM local time at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, as part of Week 9 of the regular season.
This marks the second regular-season NFL game in Spain, following the 2025 debut at the same venue, where the Washington Commanders defeated the Miami Dolphins 13-16. The 2026 NFL Madrid Game is organized in partnership with the Community of Madrid and the Madrid City Council, part of a multi-year agreement that makes the Spanish capital the exclusive host for NFL games in the country through 2027.
The Bernabéu, home of Real Madrid, will once again transform from a soccer stadium into an American football stage to welcome two top-tier franchises. The Bengals return to an international game aiming to expand their brand and connect with a growing global fan base. The Falcons will enjoy a special occasion at one of the world’s most iconic venues, with Atlanta’s global profile also boosted ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Rafa de los Santos, Director of NFL Spain, said the league is ready to “make history again in Madrid” with the arrival of the Bengals and Falcons. He emphasized the organization’s goal to replicate the success of the first game and bring the excitement of the NFL to Spanish fans, as well as welcoming supporters from around the world to a city now established as a major international sports showcase.
Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, celebrated the participation of two major franchises like Cincinnati and Atlanta and highlighted the NFL’s work in promoting flag football among youth – a non-contact discipline set to debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The Community of Madrid reiterated the region’s readiness to host major international events.
A Historic International Season
The 2026 NFL Madrid Game is part of the league’s most extensive international schedule ever, featuring nine games outside the United States across four continents, seven countries, and eight stadiums. Host cities include Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Madrid, Munich, and Mexico City. Spain occupies a key position in this strategy: the NFL estimates it has 11 million fans in the country and has strengthened its presence in recent years with initiatives such as NFL Flag, the official flag football program for youth launched in Spain in 2024, now active in schools in Madrid, Barcelona, and Zaragoza. The expansion continues with support from the Spanish Federation of American Football.
The Bengals-Falcons game will be broadcast exclusively on NFL Network and also available on local stations in Cincinnati and Atlanta. In Spain, it will air on DAZN, the official NFL broadcaster in the country. Ticket sale information will be announced later, and fans can register at nfl.com/Madrid to receive the latest updates and purchase details.