The Atlanta Falcons announced on Mar. 6 that they will play their 2026 international game in Madrid, Spain, as part of the National Football League’s ongoing efforts to expand its global presence.
This development is significant for both the team and the league, reflecting a broader strategy to grow American football internationally and engage new fan bases. The NFL recently secured a multi-year agreement to continue hosting games at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
The first regular-season NFL game in Spain took place last November at the Bernabéu, where the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders in overtime before an audience of 78,610. “The passion for the NFL in Spain is at an all‑time high, and welcoming the Atlanta Falcons to Madrid for a regular‑season game is a historic moment for our growing fanbase,” said NFL Country Manager Rafa de los Santos. “I’m sure the Falcons will enjoy competing in such an iconic stadium as the Bernabéu, in one of the world’s great sporting capitals, Madrid, and that fans will once again experience firsthand the intensity, speed, and talent that make the NFL unique.”
As preparations continue for next season, general manager Ian Cunningham addressed roster priorities following observations from this year’s scouting combine. Cunningham said about evaluating wide receivers: “It’s a premium position. I feel like at this event it’s my job to look at every single position, but definitely going to make sure we evaluate the receivers as well.” Head coach Kevin Stefanski also discussed leadership within the quarterback room: “When you’re in that quarterback room, you want to make sure that the voice is singular… That’s part of the benefit of having Tommy Reese, having Alex Van Pelk… We’re all speaking the same language.”
In related news, former Falcons center Drew Dalman announced his retirement after five seasons with his current team. Dalman was drafted by Atlanta in 2021 and started 40 games before joining Chicago last offseason.
The Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division according to their official website. The team began as an expansion franchise in 1965 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia according to their official website. The franchise has advanced to two Super Bowls—in 1998 and 2016—and features Freddie the Falcon as its mascot according to their official website.
Looking ahead, free agency negotiations are set to begin March 9 through March 11 before contracts can be finalized when player agreements expire on March 12.
