The Miami Dolphins will play in the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Spain, set to take place next season at Madrid’s iconic Bernabéu Stadium, the league announced on Friday.
The Dolphins will be the “home” team at the stadium, which is known for its retractable soccer pitch that makes space for an American football field. The venue has a seating capacity of over 78,000.
“We are thrilled to play the NFL’s inaugural game in Spain, a country with a rich history, tradition, and passion, and home to a vibrant Dolphins fanbase,” said Tom Garfinkel, the Dolphins’ vice chairman, president, and CEO.
The specific date for the game and Miami’s opponent will be revealed in the spring.
The Dolphins and the Chicago Bears hold marketing rights in Spain as part of the NFL’s global markets program. This program lets teams host events and sign commercial deals in international locations.
“The exciting first-ever game in Spain highlights the NFL’s ongoing commitment to expanding its global presence and reaching new audiences worldwide,” said Brett Gosper, the NFL’s head of Europe and APAC.
Miami missed the playoffs this season, finishing with an 8-9 record.
The Dolphins have a 2-5 record in games played outside the United States and have lost their last four international games. Their most recent loss was in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2023, when they fell 21-14 to the Kansas City Chiefs. Miami has previously played five games in London and one in Toronto.
Miami’s 2025 home schedule will feature games against AFC East rivals, including the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, and New York Jets. The Dolphins will also host the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Washington Commanders.
The NFL has been working to expand its global reach, hoping to attract new fans and generate additional revenue. Partnering with one of the world’s most successful soccer teams, Real Madrid, is seen as a significant move in this effort.
“This partnership with the NFL will bring one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events to the Santiago Bernabéu, a stadium that has welcomed millions of passionate fans from around the world for unforgettable sporting experiences,” said Emilio Butragueño, the institutional relations director of Real Madrid.
Bernabéu, located in the heart of Madrid, is also being considered as a candidate to host the final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
As of the 2025 season, the NFL will be able to schedule up to eight regular-season games internationally.
Next season, London will host three games—two at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and one at Wembley Stadium. The Jets and Cleveland Browns will be the home teams at Tottenham, while the Jacksonville Jaguars will be at Wembley.
Berlin will host its first-ever regular-season game with the Indianapolis Colts as the home team at Olympic Stadium.
In September, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers 34-29 in São Paulo, Brazil, marking the NFL’s first game in South America.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in October that Rio de Janeiro could also host a game soon, adding that there’s “no doubt” Ireland will get one in the near future. The league has also expressed interest in Australia as a potential future host.
