The Detroit Lions are set to make an exciting return to international play in 2026, as they will host a regular-season game in Germany. This announcement comes as part of the NFL“s ongoing initiative to expand its global footprint.
The Lions have confirmed that their game will take place at the home of FC Bayern Munich in Munich. Details regarding the opponent, date, and kickoff time will be revealed when the league announces its complete schedule for the season, which typically occurs in mid-May.
This matchup will be particularly significant for the Lions, as it marks their first international appearance in over a decade. The last time the team played outside the United States was in 2015, following two consecutive visits to London in 2014 and 2015.
Team president Rod Wood emphasized the organization”s commitment to the German market, noting their enthusiasm for engaging with fans in Munich. In preparation for the event, the Lions have already created a dedicated information page for supporters, signaling their intent to keep fans informed as more details emerge.
The game will be hosted at the FC Bayern Munich Stadium, a venue that has previously welcomed NFL games. This fixture is part of the NFL”s broader strategy to promote American football internationally, featuring a series of nine games across various countries.
Germany has become a key destination for the NFL, with five games held in the country in recent seasons. Under current league policies, teams must forfeit a home game for an international contest at least once every eight years, although teams can protect three home games from being moved abroad. The NFL also takes travel logistics into account when scheduling these international matchups.
Alongside Germany, the NFL has scheduled games in countries including Australia, Brazil, England, France, Mexico, and Spain. There have been discussions among league officials to expand the international series to 16 games per season, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport worldwide.
