The Complete Guide to Planning an NFL International Game Trip (London, Paris, Brazil & Beyond)

When the NFL starts announcing international games, group chats light up immediately.

“Should we go?”

“London??”

“Brazil would be crazy.”

“We HAVE to do this.”

And then everyone gets excited… and no one actually knows how to plan it.

Here’s the thing:An NFL international game isn’t just an away game with a passport.

It’s a full international trip layered on top of a major sporting event. And if you don’t plan it strategically, it gets expensive and chaotic fast.

If you’re serious about going, here’s what you actually need to think through.

The 2026 NFL International Schedule: Where You Could Be Cheering

This year’s international schedule is bigger than ever. Fans now have opportunities to turn a game into a full travel experience on nearly every continent:

• 🇬🇧 London, United Kingdom – The NFL continues its London tradition with multiple games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium. Here are the confirmed teams:

  • Jaguars vs TBD

  • Jaguars vs TBD

  • Commanders v sTBD

• 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – The Dallas Cowboys are set to play in Rio at the iconic Maracanã Stadium(opponent TBD).

• 🇦🇺 Melbourne, Australia – San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), marking the league’s first game in Australia.

• 🇫🇷 Paris, France – New Orleans Saints (opponent TBD) at Stade de France, bringing NFL football to one of Europe’s most iconic stadiums.

• 🇪🇸 Madrid, Spain – Another exciting European destination joining the schedule at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Atlanta Falcons will be hosting. Opponents TBD.

• 🇩🇪 Munich, Germany – Detroit Lions hosting at the FC Bayern Munich Arena, adding Germany to the NFL’s growing international footprint. Opponents TBD

• 🇲🇽 Mexico City, Mexico – San Francisco 49ers are set to play at Estadio Banorte, where passionate fans always deliver unforgettable atmospheres. Opponents TBD

This is not your typical away game weekend. Each city offers its own culture, cuisine, and experiences. You’re not just cheering for your team, you’re exploring a city halfway across the world.

Start Earlier Than You Think You Need To

I’ve seen people wait until tickets go on sale to start planning.

By then?Flights are climbing.Hotels near the stadium are disappearing.Good locations are gone.

For international NFL games, I recommend starting 6–10 months out, or as soon as your team is confirmed for their game...whichever comes first.

Not because you have to book everything that early, but because you need a strategy before prices surge.

These aren’t regular away games. The demand is global.

Don’t Rush to Book Flights

The second teams are confirmed, everyone runs to Google Flights. Slow down, Savannah

Before booking:

• Confirm the official game time

• Look at the time zone difference

• Decide how many days you actually want to be there

For example, London games are typically earlier in the day (U.S. morning). If you land the night before and try to rally for game day? You’re running on fumes.

I always recommend arriving at least 2 days early so:

• You adjust

• You explore

• You don’t feel rushed

You flew across the world. Let it feel like it.

Where You Stay Matters More Than You Think

This is where I see people make expensive mistakes. They book the cheapest hotel they see…Then realize it’s:

• 45 minutes from the stadium

• Not near public transit

• Not walkable to anything

Now they’re Ubering back and forth in a foreign city on game weekend.

For these trips, I focus on:

• Access to transportation

• Walkability

• Safe, well-connected neighborhoods

• Easy game-day logistics

The game is one day.Your experience is the entire weekend.

Make It a Trip: Not Just a Ticket

If you’re flying internationally, please don’t turn this into a 36-hour sprint.

Build a real itinerary.

• Arrival dinner somewhere local

• A food tour or cultural experience

• A day to explore neighborhoods

• Game day

• Maybe a relaxed brunch before flying home

International NFL weekends are the perfect excuse to combine:Sports + culture + food + a little luxury...And if you’re going to Brazil, Madrid, or Paris? You should absolutely be doing more than just tailgating.

Let’s Talk Budget (Honestly)

These trips cost more than people expect.

You’re paying for:

• International airfare

• 3–4 nights of hotel

• Game tickets

• Transportation

• Meals

• Experiences

• Travel insurance

And prices move quickly once teams are confirmed. The earlier you plan, the more control you have.Waiting usually means paying more and compromising location.

Common Mistakes I See Fans Make

• Booking flights before confirming game details

• Waiting too long after the announcement

• Not checking passport expiration dates

• Staying too far outside the city

• Trying to do it “cheap” and ending up stressed

• Treating it like a domestic away game

International sports travel requires intention. And when it’s done right? It feels seamless.

Why Work With a Travel Advisor for an NFL International Game?

Because this isn’t just flights and a hotel.

It’s timing.It’s location strategy.It’s understanding how the city moves.It’s knowing which neighborhoods make sense.It’s building a trip around the game, not just squeezing a game into a trip.

Most people don’t realize how layered it is until they’re already overwhelmed.

If you want your NFL international experience to feel curated instead of chaotic, that’s exactly what I help design.

Ready to Go?

This blog covers the key things you need to know before planning your NFL international trip, but if you want it all in one step-by-step guide delivered to your inbox, plus team-specific city tips when the schedule drops, grab your 3-Day NFL Trip Guide using the link below:

Get Your 3-Day NFL Trip Guide

Because if you’re flying overseas for your team? It should feel intentional & easy. Not stressful.