Every year, the NFL brings American football excitement to Europe as part of its international outreach, providing European fans with the rare chance to experience live games right on their continent. Since its inception in the mid-2000s, the NFL International Series has grown in popularity and scale, serving as a global stage to showcase the sport and expand its reach well beyond the United States.
For the 2024 season, the NFL is planning multiple games in Europe, particularly in London and Frankfurt. These locations have become household names for the league’s international supporters. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming NFL schedule in Europe.
2024 NFL International Series: Key European Dates
As of the most recent announcements, here are the confirmed dates and matchups set to take place in Europe during the 2024 NFL season:
- October 6, 2024 – London (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium): Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Jets
- October 13, 2024 – London (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium): Chicago Bears vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- November 3, 2024 – Frankfurt (Deutsche Bank Park): New England Patriots vs. Carolina Panthers
- November 10, 2024 – Frankfurt (Deutsche Bank Park): Kansas City Chiefs vs. Atlanta Falcons
These games are part of the NFL’s larger initiative to grow fan bases worldwide and test the logistics of potential future international expansions. Each matchup has been strategically chosen to highlight team brand recognition and create thrilling matchups for both new and longtime fans in Europe.
Wembley and Tottenham: A Home Away From Home
London has proven to be a hotbed for NFL excitement. With several years of hosting games under its belt, the city now offers not one, but two venues suitable for NFL matchups: Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Both stadiums have been impeccably maintained and customized to accommodate the unique dimensions and logistics of an NFL game, offering seating capacities of 90,000 and 62,850 respectively.
Additionally, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was constructed with joint NFL and Premier League use in mind. It features a retractable field system and NFL-specific locker rooms, making it a state-of-the-art venue for professional football games.
Frankfurt Steps Up: Germany as the Next NFL Frontier
After the massive success of the NFL’s debut in Munich in 2022 and Frankfurt in 2023, Germany continues to serve as a new frontier for American football. Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park will host two games this year, marking Germany’s increasingly vital role in the NFL’s international strategy.
The German fanbase has long been engaged with the NFL, thanks in part to a strong historical connection with NFL Europe and growing television coverage of American football. With sellout crowds and enormous local enthusiasm, the games in Frankfurt are expected to rival those held in London in terms of energy and spectacle.
What to Expect on Game Day
Attending an NFL game in Europe is much more than just watching football. Fans enjoy a range of experiences, including:
- Fan zones and interactive exhibits
- Live music and local food vendors
- Appearances by NFL legends and cheerleader squads
- Team merchandise shopping and promotional giveaways
For American tourists in Europe during the autumn months, grabbing tickets to one of these games is a fantastic way to marry travel with passion for the NFL. For local European fans, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see stars they usually only catch on television.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL continues to explore the idea of expanding its presence outside the U.S., consistent games in Europe have become a cornerstone of this vision. Speculation continues about potential future games in cities like Paris or Barcelona, though London and Frankfurt currently remain key international pillars.
With a growing number of fans and promising attendance figures, it’s safe to say that NFL games in Europe are not just a marketing experiment—they’ve become a permanent and much-anticipated part of the regular season calendar.
If you’re a football fan planning to attend or stream these matchups, mark your calendars and prepare for a unique blend of American sports and European culture. The NFL’s global momentum isn’t slowing down anytime soon.