A New Season, A Bigger World

The 2026 NFL season is underway, and football looks a little different this year. The season kicked off September 9, with the Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots, and the league is already several weeks into its 18-week regular-season schedule.

One of the biggest changes is how far the NFL is traveling. The league has scheduled a record nine regular-season international games across four continents, seven countries and eight stadiums.

New Host Cities Around the Globe

The 2026 international schedule introduces three new NFL markets: Melbourne, Australia; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Paris, France. The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams opened the international slate in Melbourne, while Baltimore and Dallas met in Rio on September 27. Paris will host Pittsburgh and New Orleans on October 25.

The NFL will also return to familiar international destinations, with games scheduled in London, Madrid, Munich and Mexico City. London gets three games this season, while Mexico City will host a game for the first time since 2022.

Safety Gets More Attention

Player safety is another major focus this season. The NFL and NFL Players Association have introduced an updated on-field accountability system that places greater emphasis on five types of dangerous plays: hip-drop tackles, horse-collar tackles, launching, hits on defenseless players and blindside blocks.

Beginning this season, a player who commits three violations in those categories can receive a one-game suspension. The system is designed to concentrate discipline on tackling and blocking techniques considered more likely to cause injuries.

Kickoffs Get Another Makeover

Fans will also notice changes on kickoffs. Teams can now declare an onside kick at any point in the game, rather than having to wait until the fourth quarter. The alignment of receiving players has also been adjusted, while another change removes an incentive for teams to intentionally kick the ball out of bounds from the 50-yard line.

More Than Just Football

The changes demonstrate how the NFL continues to evolve both on and off the field. Games in new countries are introducing American football to new audiences, while rule changes are attempting to balance excitement, strategy and player safety.

With the season now rolling, fans have plenty to watch for: familiar rivalries, new international venues, evolving kickoff strategies and a continuing effort to make one of America’s favorite sports an increasingly global game.