Vikings Set for NFL’s First Back-to-Back International Games

Minnesota will play in Dublin and London against the Steelers and Browns, respectively. The Ireland game will be a first for that country.

Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings catches a pass against Samuel Womack III of the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Nov. 3, 2024. David Berding/Getty Images

The Minnesota Vikings have extra travel around the corner for the 2025 season with back-to-back international games.

As the league released the international games schedule on Tuesday, the Vikings learned they will play consecutive games overseas in two countries. Minnesota faces the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 28 in Dublin, Ireland, then plays the Cleveland Browns in London on Oct. 5.

“Playing in Ireland’s first-ever NFL game is an opportunity to introduce new fans to the Minnesota Vikings and help the league continue to make the game of football more accessible globally,” Vikings owner Mark Wilf said in a statement on Tuesday. “To do so against a storied franchise like the Pittsburgh Steelers adds a unique challenge that makes this even more special.

“We are honored to be selected for this historic game and will be anxious to see what promises to be an electric game day environment in Croke Park,” he added.

Croke Park Stadium is where Minnesota will play as the road team against the host Steelers. While it’s the first time for the NFL in Ireland, college football has been played there for years, including last season’s game between Florida State and Georgia Tech.

“The opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to play in Ireland is truly special, not only because of the Rooney family history there but because it allows us to connect with Irish fans while also giving fans who travel from Pittsburgh and beyond a unique football experience,” Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a statement on Tuesday. “We are thrilled to be part of this historic event and to represent Pittsburgh on a global stage.”

While Minnesota will also be the road team for the London game against the Browns, the Vikings are quite familiar with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Vikings beat the New York Jets and an old rival, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, in London last season, 23–17.

“Our experiences in London have always been memorable, so to return in 2025 as the first team to play in back-to-back international games in different countries was something we could not pass up,” Wilf said. “UK fans have a history of showing up and embracing the Minnesota Vikings, creating what often feels like a homefield environment, and we are hopeful that is what we see again in 2025.”

Minnesota played its first international game ever in London in 1983 with a 28–10 win over the then-St. Louis Cardinals during the preseason. The Vikings had three more international preseason games during the 1980s and 1990s in Sweden, Germany, and Japan—all victories.

The Vikings have gone 4–0 in regular season games overseas between 2013 and 2024. That started with a 34–27 win over the Steelers in London during the 2013 season.

Minnesota then beat the Browns 33–16 in London during the 2017 season, and the Vikings edged the New Orleans Saints 28–25 in London in 2022. The Vikings will play an international regular-season game somewhere other than London for the first time ever when they take the field in Dublin.

Chargers in Brazil 

The Los Angeles Chargers will play the first international game of the 2025 season on Sept. 5 in Brazil against an opponent to be determined. It marks the second straight year that the NFL will play a game in Sao Paulo.

“It’s an honor to once again represent the NFL on an international stage,” Chargers president of business operations A.G. Spanos said in a February statement. “It’s also a tremendous opportunity to help grow the game and bring the Chargers brand to millions of sports fans across Brazil and Latin America.”

“One of the great countries of the world, Brazil is as vibrant, dynamic, and culturally diverse as anywhere on the planet, and we cannot wait to experience the warmth and passion of its people during our visit,” Spanos added.

The first Brazil game featured the Philadelphia Eagles edging the Green Bay Packers 34–29 last year on a slippery field at Corinthians Arena. Neither the Eagles nor the Packers have international games at the moment.

Two More Games in London

London will host two more games after the Vikings and Browns, and that will include the Denver Broncos taking on the Jets in an Oct. 12 matchup at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium again. Denver hasn’t played overseas since 2022, and it will be the third time overall.

“The Broncos are thrilled to represent our fans and the NFL overseas,” Broncos President Damani Leech said in a statement on Tuesday. “Broncos Country has no borders, and we join the NFL in sharing a deep commitment to growing the game on a global stage.”

“After having such a wonderful experience in London a few years ago, we can’t wait to return to the United Kingdom to engage with such passionate fans and build on the Broncos’ proud international history,” Leech added.

The Los Angeles Rams will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Oct. 19 but at Wembley Stadium. The Rams haven’t played in London or overseas since 2019.

“We’re excited to return to London this October to help drive the NFL’s continued growth on the international stage,” Rams President Kevin Demoff said in a statement on Tuesday. “Kroenke Sports and Entertainment is one of the largest sports and entertainment organizations in the world and growing the Rams footprint globally is a key priority for our team.”

“We look forward to facing the Jaguars in a world-class environment like Wembley Stadium, the national stadium of England, which will be a memorable experience for our players, coaches, and fans,” Demoff added.

Falcons-Colts in Germany

The Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts will kick off the first game in Germany since the 2022 season when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Seattle Seahawks. Atlanta and Indianapolis will play in Berlin, which is a first for the NFL. The league previously had games in Frankfurt and Munich.

“We are definitely excited and proud to take part in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Berlin, and look forward to seeing Atlanta Falcons fans from Germany, and across the globe, in November,” Atlanta Falcons president Greg Beadles said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Long before taking part in the NFL’s Global Markets Program, we saw and felt the passion for the Falcons from our dedicated German fans, including a number who have made trips to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and to our games across the U.S. and our previous international games,” Beadles added. “We look forward to experiencing the German culture and the fandom that has made Germany an important part of the NFL’s growth and future.”

Commanders-Dolphins in Spain

The Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins will play the final international game of the regular season on Nov. 16 at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

It will mark the NFL’s first-ever regular season game in Spain.

“We are thrilled to play the NFL’s inaugural game in Spain, a country of rich history, tradition and passion and home to a vibrant Dolphins fanbase,” Dolphins Vice Chairman, President and CEO Tom Garfinkel said in a January statement. “There is a hunger for football in this market, and we are proud to join with the NFL in growing the game internationally while engaging with old and new fans alike.”

“With the unique synergy between Miami and Madrid, we believe this is only the beginning for us in this incredible region and we look forward to bringing the excitement and community of Dolphins football to Spain in 2025 and beyond,” Garfinkel added.