Spain: Real Madrid to use international break for NFL

10.02.2025 12:24 source: StadiumDB.com; author: Paulina Skóra

For several months, information has gradually been emerging about the first-ever NFL game in Spain. Until now, the only confirmed detail was the announcement that the Miami Dolphins would be the home team for the game at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

Is the preliminary date already set?

The most anticipated details are the game’s date and the team that will play as the visitor, but fans will have to wait a little longer. To determine this, we must follow the league’s procedures, and the official NFL schedule is not released before spring. Once it is published, people will find out when the game will take place and who the Dolphins’ opponent will be, explained Brett Gosper, NFL’s Director for Europe and Asia-Pacific, in an interview with AS after the announcement of the host team.

However, reports have already surfaced suggesting that a preliminary date has been set: Sunday, November 16. This date coincides with the international break for national teams, meaning that Estadio Santiago Bernabéu will definitely be available. The biggest remaining mystery is Miami Dolphins' opponent, but there is increasing speculation about a specific team—Cincinnati Bengals. Multiple sources close to the league indicate that the Bengals are currently the favorites to face the Florida-based team in Madrid. I’d love to play in Spain, Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow said during an interview on Radio Row.

Estadio Santiago Bernabéu © Bernabéu

The NFL is preparing a major event in Madrid

Once the key details about the game are announced, preparations for the event will not be over. The NFL is working closely with Madrid to bring its unique atmosphere to Spain, planning a week full of entertainment and accompanying events. Plaza Mayor in Madrid is one of the locations being considered for fan festivities, and there are ongoing discussions about additional activities around the Bernabéu.

Currently, the NFL is fully focused on Madrid, but in the past, preliminary talks were also held with Barcelona. Since the league continues to expand its number of international games, it wouldn’t be surprising if Barcelona became the next Spanish city to join this project.