Detroit Lions to be home team at NFL Munich Game 2026
Amon-Ra St. Brown returns to Germany
The Lions are not only bringing a franchise steeped in tradition to Bavaria, but also one of the league's most prominent German players: wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Born to a German mother, he has long been one of the best receivers in the NFL and is one of the faces of the league's international growth. Just last June, St. Brown and his older brother Equanimeous were in Munich for a youth football camp. The “St. Brown Brothers Youth Football Camp” at the Ramersdorf district sports facility was aimed at children and young people between the ages of 6 and 18.
The Lions are one of eleven franchises that hold official marketing rights for Germany. A home game in Munich is therefore a logical step, not only from a sporting perspective but also strategically. For Detroit, it will be their first game on German soil. The Lions have only played twice internationally so far – in 2014, with a 22-21 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, and in 2015, with a 10-45 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. Both games took place at Wembley Stadium in London.
Strong roster with playoff ambitions
In terms of athleticism, the Lions are bringing one of the most talented teams in the NFC to Munich. The offense is led by quarterback Jared Goff, supported by explosive running back Jahmyr Gibbs and dynamic tight end Sam LaPorta. On the offensive line, right tackle Penei Sewell, among others, provides stability. Detroit also has quality on defense: edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, defensive back Brian Branch, and linebacker Jack Campbell are prime examples of a physical, aggressive defense. The Lions are coming to Munich as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl trophy.
Alexander Steinforth, General Manager of NFL Germany, is looking forward to the Detroit Lions' debut in Germany. "With the largest fan base in Europe, Germany is a key market for the NFL's international growth ambitions. We are very excited to welcome the Detroit Lions to the 2026 NFL Munich Game – and in collaboration with the Lions, FC Bayern Munich, and the city of Munich, we look forward to providing fans in the region with an unforgettable experience during the 2026 NFL season," said the NFL Germany boss.
Review: The Lions' 2025 season
The 2025 season was the Detroit Lions' 96th season in the NFL and the fifth under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. After posting a franchise-best 15-2 record in 2024, the Lions failed to surpass that mark. An away loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6 prevented another record-breaking season early on.
After another loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17, Detroit missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Particularly bitter: for the first time since 2020, the Lions failed to win a single game against division rivals such as the Vikings or Packers. Nevertheless, Detroit remains one of the most ambitious teams in the NFC.
Tradition, highs and lows: The history of the Lions
The Detroit Lions belong to the NFC North and share the division with the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers. Their team colors are striking Honolulu blue and silver, and their helmet is adorned with a blue lion. The Lions enjoyed their most successful period in the 1950s, when they won three of their four NFL championships. However, since their last title in 1957, the franchise has been waiting for another championship – one of the longest dry spells in the league.
A low point was the 2008 season, when Detroit became the first team in NFL history to finish with a 0-16 record (in a 16-game regular season). Despite this negative record, the fans showed their sense of humor: after the last defeat against the Packers, they chanted “Yes we can.” The Lions are one of four teams that have never played in the Super Bowl. On the other hand, the Thanksgiving game, which Detroit has played at home without interruption since 1945, is a firm tradition.
Munich and the NFL: A success story
The Lions continue the NFL's success story in Munich. The league celebrated an impressive premiere at the Allianz Arena in 2022, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-16. The second Munich guest appearance followed in 2024: The Carolina Panthers won 20-17 against the New York Giants in a thrilling overtime thriller. Both games were completely sold out, impressively underscoring the enormous enthusiasm for football in Germany.
With the Detroit Lions as the home team, the foundation has been laid for the NFL Munich Game 2026. A team with ambitions, a German superstar on the roster, and a city that has long since taken football to its heart – anticipation in Munich is already growing.
The NFL has now scheduled a total of nine international games for 2026. The Lions will play in Munich, while the Los Angeles Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne. The 49ers will play a home game in Mexico City. The Dallas Cowboys will play in Rio de Janeiro. The New Orleans Saints will celebrate their debut in Paris. In addition, two games in London and one game in Madrid are on the NFL's schedule.
