NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has confirmed there will be no regular season American football match taking place in Ireland in 2026.
Following the enormous success of the first ever competitive NFL game in Dublin in 2025, which saw legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his Pittsburgh Steelers edge the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 in front of sold-out crowd at Croke Park, it had been hoped Ireland would host another fixture next season.
But when asked by Irish NFL journalist Michael McQuaid at a press conference ahead of this weekend’s Super Bowl clash between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, Goodell announced that there were no such plans in the immediate future.
“We did have a wonderful time, and I think both clubs had a great time and our fans had a spectacular time,” began Goodell.
“One of the things about that game that stands out to me is that it felt like the entire island was in support of this.
“That game had more people come from the States for an international game than any game in our history of the international series, and I think that’s a tribute to Ireland.
“We will be back; I would guess that will we be back in a few years. We’ve got to work with the officials on that and when that happens, but I would expect that to happen and that’s our intention.
“I’ve said many times (we want) 16 (international) games, so that every team is playing a regular season game every season.
“I think that’s an important mark for us to go for. I think we’re well on our way, with the desire we have from our side, but also the desire for people to have this in their communities, and some of the greatest cities in the world are asking to do this.”
So far, the NFL have confirmed plans for nine international games for next season with three being played in London, one each being held in Madrid, Munich, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro while Paris and Melbourne will host their first ever games.
