The NFL revealed Tuesday that the Detroit Lions have been chosen to compete in Munich, Germany during a regular season matchup in 2026.
Officials will announce the opposing team and specific game date once the complete 2026 schedule becomes available this spring.
This Munich contest represents one of nine international games scheduled across four continents for the upcoming season, marking a new record for the league.
The matchup will take place at Allianz Arena, the 70,000-capacity stadium that serves as home base for German soccer giant FC Bayern Munich. The venue is also set to host another NFL game in 2028, while Berlin will welcome games in 2027 and 2029.
Alexander Steinforth, NFL Germany’s general manager, emphasized the significance of the German market. “Germany continues to be a key market in the NFL’s international growth ambitions, with Europe’s largest fanbase,” Steinforth stated. “We are excited to welcome the Detroit Lions to play in the 2026 NFL Munich game — and in partnership with the Lions, FC Bayern Munich and the City of Munich, we look forward to bringing an incredible NFL experience to fans across the region in the NFL 2026 season.”
Through the league’s global markets initiative, the Lions maintain marketing privileges across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Lions president and CEO Rod Wood expressed enthusiasm about the international opportunity. “We are thrilled to be playing internationally and specifically in Munich for the 2026 season,” Wood commented. “As an organization, we have invested greatly in the German market and are excited to play in front of our passionate German fans.”
The upcoming German game carries particular meaning for Lions standout Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The two-time All-Pro wide receiver shared his personal connection to the opportunity. “It has been a dream of mine to play a game in my mother’s home country of Germany since coming to the league,” St. Brown explained. “I cannot wait to play in front of the incredible fans that I’ve gotten to know through my visits and football camps in the country. Their support for me and the country’s instant connection to the Lions brand is inspiring, and I’m looking forward to our team getting to showcase Detroit football on an international scale.”
Detroit previously participated in international contests during the 2014 and 2015 seasons, with both games taking place in London.
