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Packers not expecting to play Lions in Munich in 2026
TL;DR
The Green Bay Packers do not expect to face the Detroit Lions in Munich during the 2026 NFL season. Lions president Ed Policy indicated that the Lions have protected the game as a home matchup at Ford Field.
Key points
- Packers not expecting to play Lions in Munich in 2026
- Lions protected the game as a home game at Ford Field
- Playing in Munich would create a neutral site for the matchup
Green Bay PackersDetroit Lions
The Green Bay Packers are not currently expecting to play an international game against the Detroit Lions in Munich, Germany during the 2026 regular season.
In an interview with Aaron Nagler and Corey Behnke of CheeseheadTV on Wednesday, Packers president and CEO Ed Policy said he believes the Lions protected the game as a home game at Ford Field.
"Somebody from the Lions, the NFL wouldn't tell us, we don't know this, it's not announced, but somebody from the Lions had mentioned they protected that game and they want to play the Packers at home," Policy said. "I understand why. I would gladly play them in Munich. My understanding is that is not going to happen. I can't confirm that."
Why would the Lions protect the game? Playing the Packers in Munich would create a neutral site setting for a key divisional game between NFC North rivals and rob Detroit of one of only three home divisional games. While a Packers-Lions game in Munich would be terrific for the international football community in Europe, it would likely put the Lions at a slight competitive disadvantage in what is likely to be another tight NFC North race.
Policy did confirm the Packers will play all nine scheduled home games at Lambeau Field in 2026, and the only other possible international game would be a road game against the New Orleans Saints in Paris, although he's not heard for certain if the Packers will be the Saints' opponent.
"The only other possibility is playing the Saints, they are hosting a game in Paris, and I haven't heard one way or another," Policy said.
The Lions, who lost to the Packers at Ford Field on Thanksgiving Day last season, will host a team at FC Bayern Munich Stadium at some point during the 2026 season.
The NFL's regular season schedule will be out in full at some point next month. The Packers haven't played an international game since losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil to open the 2024 season.
Q&A
Why are the Packers not playing the Lions in Munich in 2026?
The Packers are not playing the Lions in Munich because the Lions have protected the game as a home game at Ford Field.
What does it mean for the Lions to protect a home game?
Protecting a home game means the Lions want to ensure they play the Packers at home, which maintains their competitive advantage in a key divisional matchup.
How would a Packers-Lions game in Munich affect the NFC North standings?
A Packers-Lions game in Munich would create a neutral site, potentially disadvantaging the Lions by reducing their home divisional games in a tight NFC North race.