The NFL usually releases its full fixture list in mid-May each year. For 2026, the most likely window sits between 13 and 15 May.
This is when everything becomes clear. You get confirmed matchups, exact dates, kick-off times, and stadium locations. Until then, most plans sit on hold. After release, things move fast.
Airlines adjust pricing. Hotels near stadiums begin to fill. Travel companies release official packages.
This is also when providers like Touchdown Trips step in. As an all-in-one service, they handle everything from tickets to hotels, helping fans lock in their plans without the stress of booking each part separately.
If you want a simple answer, expect the 2026 NFL International Series schedule in mid-May, alongside the full season announcement.
What Time the NFL Schedule Is Released in the UK
The announcement usually happens in the evening in the United States, based on Eastern Time. For UK fans, that means late at night.
You are typically looking at a release between 1am and 3am.
By the next morning, everything is live. Every international game is confirmed. You will know where your team is playing, when it happens, and how it fits into a travel plan.
This is when bookings begin straight away. Fans either rush to secure tickets themselves or turn to services like Touchdown Trips to take care of the full package in one place.
Where the NFL Is Expected to Play in 2026
Europe Remains the Focus
Europe continues to lead the international series.
London remains the main hub. It has hosted NFL games for years and still draws large crowds. For UK fans, it is the easiest option. No flights. Simple travel.
Munich has also proved popular, with strong demand and quick sell-outs.
Madrid and Paris show how the league is expanding into new markets. These cities offer more than the game, giving you a full weekend experience.
Long-Haul Destinations Add More Options
Beyond Europe, two locations are confirmed:
- Rio de Janeiro
- Melbourne
These trips require more planning, more time, and a bigger budget. In return, you get a full travel experience around the game.
For long-haul trips in particular, many fans prefer using a specialist like Touchdown Trips. Having flights, hotels, and tickets handled together removes a lot of the pressure, especially when availability is tight.
Why the Schedule Release Matters
Limited Games, High Demand
There are only a small number of international games each season. That makes tickets competitive.
Fans from the UK, the United States, and across Europe all target the same events. Once dates are confirmed, availability drops quickly.
Travel Plans Depend on It
An NFL game abroad turns a simple trip into something structured.
You are not only visiting a city. You are planning around a fixed event.
Some fans build a weekend in London. Others plan a longer break around Munich or Madrid. Some go all in with a trip to Rio or Melbourne.
This is where planning support becomes valuable. Touchdown Trips helps fans turn a single game into a full, organised travel experience without needing to manage every detail themselves.
Prices Move Fast
Flights and hotels often rise once fixtures are public. This is especially true near stadiums.
Early planners tend to secure:
- Better locations
- Lower prices
- More choice
Waiting limits options.
How to Plan Before the Schedule Is Released
Many fans wait until May. That often leads to higher costs and fewer options.
You can prepare in advance.
Start with your destination. Decide if you want a European trip or something long-haul.
Stay flexible with teams. If the experience matters more than the matchup, you will have more options.
Think about trip length. Two to four nights works for Europe. Long-haul trips need at least a week.
Set a clear budget. Include flights, accommodation, tickets, and spending money.
You can also register interest early. Companies like Touchdown Trips often offer early access or alerts, giving you a head start when packages go live.
Choosing the Right Destination
European Trips
London is the simplest option. No flights. Lower costs. Ideal for short stays.
Munich offers a strong matchday feel and a different culture.
Madrid and Paris combine NFL with a city break.
These trips are easier to plan and suit long weekends.
Long-Haul Trips
Rio de Janeiro and Melbourne offer something bigger.
They require more planning, more time off, and a larger budget.
In return, you get a full holiday built around the game.
For these trips, having expert support makes a difference. Touchdown Trips helps manage the logistics, so you can focus on the experience rather than the planning.
What Happens After the Schedule Is Released
Timing matters.
Within hours, hotel availability near stadiums begins to shrink. Flight prices start to adjust.
Within a few days, the best-value options are often gone.
Travel packages, especially those that include tickets and accommodation, begin to fill quickly.
Fans who act early, or who already have support lined up through providers like Touchdown Trips, tend to get the best options.
Turning an NFL Game Into a Full Travel Experience
The international series has grown into a key part of the NFL calendar.
For UK fans, it offers more than a match. It gives you a reason to travel.
You are not only attending a game. You are building a trip around it.
That could be a weekend in London. A short break in Munich or Madrid. Or a full holiday in Rio or Melbourne.
Planning ahead gives you more control over cost, location, and overall experience.
Working with a specialist like Touchdown Trips makes the process simpler. You get one point of contact, expert guidance, and a package built around the game you want to see.
If you are considering a trip in 2026, preparing now puts you in a stronger position when the schedule is released.
FAQs About the NFL International Series
When is the NFL International Series schedule released
The schedule is released in mid-May each year alongside the full NFL fixture list.
Are international games confirmed for 2026
Yes. Games in Rio de Janeiro and Melbourne are confirmed, with several European cities expected to host.
How many international games take place each season
There are a limited number of games each year, which makes tickets competitive.
Is travelling for an NFL game abroad worth it
For many fans, it combines sport with travel in one trip and offers a different matchday experience.
Do tickets sell out quickly
Yes. Demand is global and availability is limited. Planning early improves your chances.
How far in advance should you plan
Start planning before the schedule release. Once dates are confirmed, booking early or using a service like Touchdown Trips helps secure better prices and options.
