NFL’s slate of international games is set, and only one could feature the Chiefs

The National Football League confirmed on Tuesday that the Atlanta Falcons will become the first franchise to play in Spain, facing an undetermined opponent at Madrid’s iconic Bernabéu Stadium, home of global soccer powerhouse Real Madrid. The Falcons’ Spanish debut highlights a nine-game international schedule that will be fully revealed when the 2026 regular-season slate is released this spring.

“On behalf of our entire organization, we are excited to experience Spain’s rich culture and to collaborate with outstanding partners including Real Madrid C.F., the city of Madrid, and the Comunidad de Madrid,” Falcons president and CEO Greg Beadles said on the league’s website. “The Falcons are honored to play a role in advancing the NFL’s international growth.”

For the Kansas City Chiefs, the announcement carries particular weight: the Falcons are the only 2026 road opponent already locked into an international venue. With nine away games on their 2026 calendar, the Chiefs must be selected as Atlanta’s opponent in Madrid or they will not participate in an overseas contest next season. Kansas City opened the 2025 campaign against the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, and could conceivably return to prime time as visitors in the NFL Kickoff Game against the defending Super Bowl LX-champion Seattle Seahawks.

Should the Chiefs miss the Spain assignment, their 2026 road itinerary will remain entirely within the United States: Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks. Arrowhead Stadium will host Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles (Chargers), Arizona, Indianapolis, the New York Jets, New England, and San Francisco.

The league’s continued push beyond U.S. borders will reach at least nine cities in 2026, with matchups and dates to be announced in the coming months.