NFL confirms: Munich to host regular season games again in 2026 and 2028
Munich remains a European football stronghold
The NFL has officially announced that Munich will once again host regular season games in 2026 and 2028. The league is thus continuing the success story that has already transformed the Allianz Arena into one of the loudest and most emotional football venues in Europe in 2022 and 2024.
The multi-year agreement between the NFL, the city of Munich, and FC Bayern Munich underscores the importance that the Bavarian capital now has for international football. Germany remains the most important market for the NFL outside the US – and Munich is the epicenter of this development.
Munich sets a long-term example as a sports city
For the city of Munich, the extension of the partnership is a clear signal. The games played so far have not only been economic and sporting successes, but have also shown just how great the passion for football in Munich really is.
Mayor Verena Dietl emphasizes the dual nature of the games: they bring top-class sport to the arena, but at the same time strengthen popular sport and youth development throughout the region. The high demand in recent years clearly shows that Munich is more than just a venue—it is a football location of strategic importance.
The Allianz Arena as a football temple
With the upcoming two games, the Allianz Arena will host an NFL regular season game for the third and fourth time. The stadium has quickly established itself as a premium location for American football.
The combination of modern infrastructure, logistical capacity, and a passionate Munich fan base makes the arena a fixture on the international NFL calendar. For many fans from all over Europe, Munich has become the “place to be” when it comes to top-level football events. The popular pub takeovers and other events such as holiday programs organized by the NFL will also return to Munich in 2026 and 2028.
NFL Germany Boss speaks highly of Munich
“Germany is of great strategic importance to the NFL in Europe. We are very excited to return to Munich in 2026 and 2028, underscoring the league's long-term commitment to Germany,” said Alexander Steinforth, General Manager of the NFL in the DACH region. “Munich holds a special place in the hearts of our fans, as regular season games were held here in 2022 and 2024. We look forward to creating extraordinary experiences for fans while continuing to expand the NFL's presence in the coming years.”
Flag football is growing: Munich becomes a development center
In addition to professional games, the NFL continues to focus heavily on flag football—the low-contact version of the sport that will become an Olympic event in 2028. Munich is benefiting particularly from the NFL Flag program, which has already reached over 20,000 children and young people nationwide.
The collaboration between the NFL and the city of Munich is set to be expanded further, with additional camps, workshops, and programs for schools and clubs. The two flag football fields at Campus Riem will become central training and youth development areas that will shape Munich's young football talent in the long term.
A location with an impact beyond game day
The football boom in Munich is evident not only in sold-out NFL games. The development has also gained significant momentum in popular sports: the number of participants in municipal flag football and cheerleading camps has risen significantly in 2025 compared to 2023, and more and more schools are integrating flag football into their lessons.
Teachers are receiving special training, clubs are getting additional attention, and the local football community is growing noticeably. In 2025, a record number of 30 teachers and 20 new schools from Munich and the surrounding area were achieved. Munich is thus gradually becoming a football city that shines far beyond the Allianz Arena.
The plans from the NFL for 2026
The NFL has so far confirmed the following international regular season games for the 2026 season, with more games to be announced:
- One game in Melbourne, Australia, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the Los Angeles Rams as the home team.
- One game in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, at Maracanã Stadium.
- Two games in London, United Kingdom, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Previous NFL regular season games in Germany:
- 2022 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Seattle Seahawks, 21:16. Allianz Arena Munich, 69,811 spectators.
- 2023 - Kansas City Chiefs vs. Miami Dolphins, 21:24. Frankfurt Stadium, 50,023 spectators.
- 2023 - New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts, 6:10, Frankfurt Stadium, 50,144 spectators.
- 2024 - Carolina Panthers vs. New York Giants, 20:17, Allianz Arena Munich, 70,132 spectators.
- 2025 - Indianapolis Colts vs. Atlanta Falcons, 31:25, Olympic Stadium Berlin, 72,203 spectators.
