When Was the First NFL International Game? A History of the NFL Overseas
The National Football League (NFL) has long been an iconic symbol of American sports, but its reach extends far beyond U.S. borders. Over the years, the NFL has been steadily expanding its presence internationally, introducing American football to new audiences across the globe. From sold-out stadiums in London to growing fan bases in Mexico and Germany, the NFL’s international appeal continues to soar. But how did it all begin? Let’s take a look at the history of NFL games played overseas, starting with the very first international matchup.
The First NFL International Game: August 16, 1976
The NFL’s first official international game took place on August 16, 1976, in Tokyo, Japan. Known as the “Japan Bowl,” the matchup was an exhibition game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Diego Chargers. Played at the Korakuen Stadium, this game marked the beginning of the NFL’s foray into the global sports market. Although it wasn’t a regular-season contest, the event was a major milestone in showcasing American football to international audiences. The Cardinals won the game 20-10, but more importantly, the league began to see the potential for expanding its fanbase overseas.
This game was part of the NFL’s broader strategy to promote American football on a global scale, and it set the stage for future efforts to bring the sport to international markets.
The American Bowl Series: Spreading Football Across the Globe
Following the success of the 1976 exhibition in Japan, the NFL launched the American Bowl series in 1986, a series of preseason games played in cities outside of the United States. The goal was to introduce American football to new audiences and gauge the sport’s potential appeal in different regions. Over the course of two decades, the American Bowl games were held in various countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Australia, Germany, Spain, and Sweden.
One of the most significant games in the American Bowl series took place on October 28, 1993, when the Dallas Cowboys faced the Houston Oilers in Mexico City. This game attracted over 112,000 fans, setting a then-record attendance for an NFL game. The enthusiastic response in Mexico City highlighted the growing interest in American football beyond U.S. borders and encouraged the NFL to continue expanding its international footprint.
The American Bowl series lasted until 2005, but by then, the NFL had already started focusing on regular-season games played internationally.
The First NFL Regular-Season International Game: 2005 in Mexico City
The NFL made history once again on October 2, 2005, by playing its first regular-season game outside of the United States. The game, held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, featured the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers. This groundbreaking event drew an astonishing 103,467 fans, making it one of the highest-attended games in NFL history. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 31-14, but the real victory was the NFL’s successful step into playing meaningful games on international soil.
This game signaled that international audiences were not only willing to watch American football but were also excited to experience the intensity of a regular-season NFL game. The success of the event in Mexico City laid the groundwork for future regular-season matchups to be played overseas.
The NFL International Series: Regular-Season Games in London and Beyond
In 2007, the NFL took another major step by launching the NFL International Series, which featured regular-season games played outside the U.S. This initiative began with a historic game at London’s Wembley Stadium on October 28, 2007, between the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins. The Giants won 13-10 in front of a sold-out crowd of 81,176, and the enthusiasm in London confirmed that the NFL had a strong following in Europe.
The success of the London games prompted the NFL to schedule regular-season games there annually. Since then, the International Series has grown steadily, with multiple games played each season in London at venues like Wembley Stadium, Twickenham Stadium, and the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Jacksonville Jaguars have become London's honorary team, with the Jags playing a game on UK soil every year since 2013. In 2022, the NFL expanded the series further, adding games in Germany with matches held in Munich, where demand for American football continues to rise.
Germany, Mexico and Brazil: The NFL’s Expanding Global Reach
While the UK has been a key focus of the NFL’s international growth, Germany and Mexico have become other significant markets for the league. In 2022, the NFL hosted its first-ever regular-season game in Germany, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking on the Seattle Seahawks in Munich. The game sold out quickly, signaling Germany’s growing passion for the sport. As of 2024, the league plans to continue bringing games to Germany, with Frankfurt and other major cities on the list.
Mexico has also continued to be a vital market for the NFL, with regular-season games returning to Estadio Azteca. Mexico’s deep appreciation for American football has made it one of the most important international fan bases for the league.
In week one of the 2024 season, the NFL expanded yet again, playing their first regular season game Latin America's largest country, Brazil. The contest saw the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Green Bay Packers at the Corinthians Arena in São Paulo.
The Future of the NFL Overseas
Looking ahead, the NFL shows no signs of slowing its international ambitions. The league has expressed interest in expanding to other countries, with talks of future games in Ireland, Spain, and even China. The long-term goal for the NFL is to build a truly global following, with the possibility of hosting games or establishing teams outside of North America being discussed.
The NFL’s investment in overseas growth has paid off, as the international fan base continues to grow and demand for American football outside the U.S. reaches new heights. With regular-season games, new markets, and even potential future franchises, the NFL’s global journey is far from over.
Conclusion: From Tokyo to the World
From that first exhibition game in Tokyo in 1976 to the packed stadiums in London, Mexico City, and Munich, the NFL’s international journey has been one of tremendous growth. What began as a bold attempt to introduce American football to the world has evolved into a significant aspect of the league’s identity, as it continues to captivate new audiences across the globe.
As the NFL continues its push into international markets, it’s clear that the sport’s global appeal is only getting stronger. For fans around the world, the NFL’s international games represent an exciting opportunity to experience one of America’s greatest sports traditions right in their own backyard.