The 2026 international slate and London expansion
The NFL aims for 16 international games across seven countries, including new host cities like Rio de Janeiro and Melbourne. Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan withdrew a $700 million bid for Wembley Stadium, though London remains a priority for the franchise.
The 49ers’ travel and global expansion
The 2026 international slate includes nine games across seven countries and four continents. The league includes new host cities like Rio de Janeiro, Paris, and Melbourne. The 49ers’ travel distance of 38,000 miles sets a new league record. They also become the first team to play two international games in different countries during a single season without playing them in back-to-back weeks. This heavy travel prompted tight end George Kittle to call for a second bye week to allow for more rest. I find the 49s’ travel schedule exhausting. The league aims for 16 international games eventually so all 32 teams play one game outside the United States each season. The Lions end a drought that reached back to 2015 this year by traveling overseas. The Commanders and Falcons also serve as home teams for international matchups. The Commanders played in Madrid in 2025, while the Falcons played in Berlin last season. The 49ers also play in Melbourne and Mexico City this season. The Commanders could host the Eagles, Giants, Rams, Seahawks, Texans, Colts, or Bengals. The Falcons face possible opponents like the Panthers, Saints, Buccaneers, Bears, Ravens, or Chiefs. The league also hosts games in Mexico City and Munich. The league will fill 18 slots across these nine games.
Khan’s Wembley bid and Jaguars plans
Shad Khan, who owns the Jacksonville Jaguars and the English soccer side Fulham FC, withdrew his $700 million bid for Wembley Stadium because the Football Association Council lacked an unmistakable directive to sell the iconic north London venue. Khan stated the offer appeared more divisive than anticipated. While Khan denied moving the Jaguars to London permanently, he maintains London as a priority for the franchise. The NFL uses both Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for its London series. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium holds a 10-year agreement with the NFL to host matches. Does the withdrawal of the Wembley bid change the Jaguars’ long-term plans for London?
| Date | Matchup | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| October 4 | Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium |
| October 11 | Philadelphia Eagles vs Jacksonville Jaguars | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium |
| October 18 | Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars | Wembley Stadium |
The Jaguars expect to extend their UK deal for four more years. They anticipate a match against the Packers at Wembley next year. The Jaguars follow a 13-4 season in 2025 led by Trevor Lawrence, who threw for 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. The Eagles won their last meeting against Jacksonville in 2024 in Brazil with a 34-29 score. The Eagles also won in London in 2018 with a 24-18 victory.
London matchups and stadium rules
London hosts three games this October. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 4. The Philadelphia Eagles face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 11 at 9:30 a.m. ET. The Houston Texans meet the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on October 18. You should check the bag rules for these venues before you go. Both stadiums enforce a strict policy where all personal bags must stay A4 size or smaller. Each guest may bring only one bag. Tottenham prohibits all outside food and drink. Wembley allows one empty, soft plastic bottle for refilling. The Giants face rumors of playing an international game this year. The Browns could face the Saints in France. The Eagles won five straight in the series history against Jacksonville dating back to 2010. The Eagles defeated Jacksonville in 2024 in Brazil with a 34-29 score. The Eagles also won in London in 2018 with a 24-18 victory. The game on October 11 airs on the NFL Network.
