Chicago Bears won't play international game in 2026

TL;DR

The Chicago Bears will not participate in an international game in 2026, as the NFL announced the Atlanta Falcons will host the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid instead. This marks the second consecutive season the Bears have avoided an international matchup.

Key points

Chicago Bears will not play in an international game in 2026
Atlanta Falcons will host Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid
This is the second consecutive season the Bears have avoided an international game
Bears have marketing rights in Spain along with Chiefs and Dolphins
Bears are expected to host a game in Madrid in future seasons

Chicago BearsAtlanta FalconsCincinnati BengalsKansas City Chiefs

Chicago Bears won't play international game in 2026

The NFL announced a return to Madrid in 2026, as part of a multi-year partnership with Spain, and many thought the Chicago Bears would be tabbed for an international game this season against the Atlanta Falcons, as Chicago faces them on the road.

But the league announced on Tuesday that the Falcons will host the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid during Week 9 on Sunday, Nov. 8, which means Chicago dodged an international game for the second straight season. Now, the Bears will play the Falcons in Atlanta this season.

The Bears are one of three teams that have marketing rights in Spain (along with the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins). While Chicago avoided an international game this year, it certainly feels like the Bears will be hosting a game in Madrid in the next couple of seasons.