The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for a significant international presence in the 2025 NFL season with journeys to Ireland and the UK, amid a record-setting year for the league featuring seven international games spanning Germany and Spain as well. The team is set to compete against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Dublinโs Croke Park on September 28, marking Irelandโs debut in hosting an NFL regular-season match. Following the Irish encounter, the Vikings will cross over to London to play against the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 5.
According to Vikings owner Mark Wilf, the decision to engage in consecutive international matchups in different countries was a natural one given their past memorable experiences in London. Historically, the Vikings have excelled in international play, boasting an 8-0 record, which includes four regular-season victories. Notably, both the Vikings and Browns clashed in London back in 2017. This upcoming series in 2025 underscores a lengthy intermission since the Vikingsโ last trip to Cleveland, with the next visit scheduled for 2033, meaning a 24-year gap.
These exciting international fixtures were disclosed by the NFL on Tuesday as a precursor to the complete schedule release on Wednesday night. The full announcement will also include the Los Angeles Chargersโ first international match in Brazil, set for September 5 at Corinthians Stadium in Sรฃo Paulo. This stadium was where the Philadelphia Eagles commenced their Super Bowl campaign the previous year against the Green Bay Packers.
The encounter in Brazil marks a milestone, as it will be streamed globally for free exclusively on YouTube and YouTube TV, making its debut with the NFL as a live broadcaster. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, alongside YouTubeโs Chief Business Officer Mary Ellen Coe, will reveal the Chargersโ opponent during the YouTube 2025 Brandcast event at Lincoln Center in New York.
In an exciting development, YouTube and the NFL have disclosed a multi-year partnership centered around the annual Super Bowl flag football game featuring influencers and musical artists. This expansion follows the inaugural gameโs success in February, which attracted over 6 million live views, and ignites prospects for more international events.
The international series will also see the Denver Broncos facing the New York Jets on October 12 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the Los Angeles Rams meeting the Jacksonville Jaguars a week later at Wembley Stadium in London. Furthermore, the Atlanta Falcons will play the Indianapolis Colts on November 9 at Berlinโs Olympic Stadium, and the Washington Commanders will confront the Miami Dolphins on November 16 at Madridโs Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
The Jaguarsโ upcoming game signifies their 14th appearance in London, reflecting the teamโs long-term commitment to the UK. To date, the NFL has conducted 39 regular-season encounters in London. Notably, the Jaguars-Colts game in Berlin will mark the fifth regular-season NFL event in Germany, with previous games staged in Munich and Frankfurt.
Peter OโReilly, the NFLโs executive vice president of club business and league events, highlights the record slate of international games as a testament to the NFLโs ongoing commitment to global expansion, aiming to establish the sportโs presence worldwide.
Additionally, on Tuesday, it was revealed that the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, will square off against the Green Bay Packers on November 10 for Monday Night Football. The complete Monday Night Football lineup is expected to be unveiled on Wednesday.
The featured Week 10 matchup at Lambeau Field brings attention to an ongoing offseason debate centered on Philadelphiaโs unique โtush pushโ strategy. The tactic, which involves teammates aiding the quarterback by pushing him from behind during a sneak play, has been challenged by Green Bay, proposing it be banned. This matter is anticipated to surface during the leagueโs spring meeting in the coming week.