The NFL has announced its 2026 international schedule, featuring games in Australia, Brazil, England, France, Spain, Germany, and Mexico. The Arizona Cardinals will not participate for the fourth consecutive year.
Key points
NFL announces 2026 international schedule
Arizona Cardinals not included for fourth year
Games in Australia, Brazil, England, France, Spain, Germany, Mexico
Matchups include 49ers vs. Rams, Ravens vs. Cowboys, and more
Arizona CardinalsSan Francisco 49ersLos Angeles RamsBaltimore Ravens
NFL releases 2026 international schedule, Cardinals not featured
One day before the release of its full 2026 schedule, the NFL has announced its full international slate. For the fourth consecutive year, the Arizona Cardinals are not included.
The list of international games is as follows:
Melbourne, Australia: San Francsico 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams (Sept. 10)
What teams are playing in the 2026 NFL international games?
The 2026 NFL international games feature the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings.
Why are the Arizona Cardinals not included in the 2026 NFL international schedule?
The Arizona Cardinals have not been included in the NFL's international schedule for four consecutive years, but specific reasons for their exclusion have not been detailed.
Where will the 2026 NFL international games take place?
The 2026 NFL international games will be held in Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Madrid, Munich, and Mexico City.
When are the 2026 NFL international games scheduled?
The 2026 NFL international games are scheduled from September 10 to November 22, with specific matchups on each date.
Related Articles
NFL
NFL schedule: Arizona Cardinals shut out of international schedule
Arizona Cardinals will not participate in any international games in 2026.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
Panthers' 2026 schedule gives them a big advantage over rest of NFL
Carolina Panthers to Travel Least in NFL for 2026 Season
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Preview
Man City Starting XI vs Crystal Palace: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup
Man City faces Crystal Palace tonight with lineup confirmed and predicted changes.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Golf·Feature
2026 PGA: Cameron Young responds to using ball that would likely conform to rollback standards
Cameron Young discusses using a golf ball that may meet new standards for 2026 PGA.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Updated 5-star recruits in the 2027 Rivals Industry Ranking
The 2027 Rivals Industry Ranking updates with 32 five-star recruits, 21 committed.
The nine-game international slate is the largest in league history, building off last year’s seven international games. From 2022-24, the league held five games per season on foreign soil.
Arizona Cardinals rookie linebacker Karson Sharar during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals rookie linebacker Karson Sharar during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Reggie Virgil during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals rookie linebacker Karson Sharar during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals rookie linebacker Karson Sharar during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Reggie Virgil during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Reggie Virgil during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Reggie Virgil during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
1 / 12
Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies
Arizona Cardinals rookie linebacker Karson Sharar during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
1 / 12
Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies
Arizona Cardinals rookie linebacker Karson Sharar during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
2 / 12
Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies
Arizona Cardinals rookie linebacker Karson Sharar during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
3 / 12
Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Reggie Virgil during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
4 / 12
Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies
Arizona Cardinals rookie linebacker Karson Sharar during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
5 / 12
Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
6 / 12
Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies
Arizona Cardinals rookie linebacker Karson Sharar during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
7 / 12
Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Reggie Virgil during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
8 / 12
Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Reggie Virgil during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
9 / 12
Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Reggie Virgil during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
10 / 12
Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
11 / 12
Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
12 / 12
Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe.
This also marks the first time that the NFL will host games in Australia and in France, with a record-setting seven countries on tap for this year’s schedule. Mexico City, meanwhile, makes its return to the NFL’s schedule after a three-year hiatus.
The Estadio Azteca — which has hosted every NFL game in Mexico City — was out of use during those three seasons as it underwent renovations in preparation for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
In the lead up to the schedule release, there was some thought that the Cardinals could feature in the Mexico City game, as they did in 2022 — their most recent international contest.
For international games, the designated home team is revealed ahead of time. This year, that meant that the Cardinals were in play for trips to either Paris or Mexico City, given that they play at both New Orleans and San Francisco (the full Melbourne matchup was revealed in February). Mexico City, in particular, seemed like a strong possibility given that the Cardinals are one of 10 franchises with designated marketing rights in Mexico.
That game, though, is now set for a primetime slot on Sunday Night Football. And with the Cardinals projected by sportsbooks to be the worst team in the NFL, the league instead opted for the Vikings as the 49ers' opponent.
