The Detroit Lions will play a regular-season game in Germany in 2026 as the NFL continues to expand its international presence.
The team has confirmed it will host one of its 17 games in Munich at the home of FC Bayern Munich. The opponent, date and kickoff time will be announced when the league releases its full schedule.
The matchup, which will count as one of Detroit’s home games, is part of the NFL’s broader effort to grow the sport outside the United States.
Lions to host game in Munich during 2026 season
The Germany fixture will be Detroit’s first international appearance in more than a decade. The Lions last played overseas in 2015, following back-to-back trips to London in 2014 and 2015.
Team president Rod Wood said the organisation has invested significantly in the German market and is looking forward to playing in front of fans in Munich.
The club has already launched a dedicated information page for supporters ahead of further announcements.
The game will be staged at the FC Bayern Munich Stadium, which has previously hosted NFL contests. Further details are expected when the NFL unveils its full 2026 schedule, typically released in mid-May.
NFL continues to grow international footprint
Detroit’s trip to Germany is part of the league’s nine-game international series. Germany has become a regular stop on the NFL calendar, with five games already staged in the country in recent seasons.
Under current league policy, teams are required to give up a home game for an international matchup at least once every eight years, although clubs can protect three games from being moved abroad. The NFL also considers scheduling windows around overseas games to reduce travel strain.
In addition to Germany, the league has scheduled international contests in Australia, Brazil, England, France, Mexico and Spain. League officials have previously discussed expanding the international schedule to 16 games per season.
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