The NFL is set to make its highly anticipated debut in Spain, with the Tua Tagovailoa’s Miami Dolphins taking the spotlight as the designated home team. We explore the potential rivals they could face in this historic matchup.
Tua Tagovailoa‘s Miami Dolphins are set to make history in 2025, hosting the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Spain. This groundbreaking matchup will take place at Madrid’s iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid, showcasing the league’s ongoing efforts to expand its international footprint. By bringing the NFL to new audiences, the league continues to grow the sport while forging deeper connections with fans around the globe.
As part of the NFL’s international strategy, the league has maintained its stance against scheduling divisional games abroad. These matchups are among the most competitive and emotionally charged of the season, and the league prioritizes hosting them in the U.S. to ensure local fan bases can fully immerse themselves in the action.
Spain’s selection as a host country aligns with the NFL’s strategic approach to targeting regions with significant growth potential. With its rich sports culture and an increasing interest in football, Spain provides an ideal environment for the league’s expansion. The Miami Dolphins, holding exclusive marketing rights in Spain, are uniquely positioned to foster lasting connections with local fans, laying the groundwork for sustained growth in the region.
The Madrid game is a highlight of the NFL’s broader initiative to strengthen its global presence. In 2025, the league will feature a record eight international games, reflecting a commitment to cultivating a worldwide fan base.
By spotlighting marquee non-divisional matchups in these games, the NFL strikes a careful balance between entertaining its growing global audience and preserving the competitive traditions that make the sport distinctly American.