A regular-season game in Ireland is set to be played by the NFL for the first time in 2025, with Croke Park selected to host this new addition to the international schedule.
Commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned last November that an Ireland game was a “possibility” for 2025, and the NFL confirmed its international schedule for the upcoming season on Friday, designating the Pittsburgh Steelers for the inaugural match in Ireland this September.
While Dublin has seen numerous college football games held at the Aviva Stadium over the past decade, Croke Park, which previously hosted a preseason matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears in 1997, will serve as the NFL’s latest international venue.
Steelers’ President Art Rooney II expressed excitement, stating, “We are very excited to be the designated team in the first regular-season game to be played in Ireland this upcoming season.”
He added that the opportunity to play in Ireland is especially meaningful due to the Rooney family’s history there and the chance to engage with the growing fanbase of Steelers supporters in Ireland. Rooney emphasized the importance of this historic event for Pittsburgh and its fans.
NFL’s International Expansion
The inclusion of Ireland marks a continuation of the NFL’s expansion overseas. Since the Miami Dolphins faced the New York Giants at Wembley Stadium in October 2007, the NFL has been hosting games in the UK, starting with one game annually until 2012, which then increased to two matches per season starting in 2013.
Since 2014, at least three games have been held in London each year, with Twickenham Stadium hosting events in both 2016 and 2017, while the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been awarded two matches a season beginning in 2019.
The International Series has since broadened to include Mexico, Germany, and Brazil, and in 2025, Madrid in Spain will join Ireland in hosting a match for the first time, with Australia also slated to be included starting in the 2026 season.
Peter O’Reilly, the NFL’s executive vice president for international, league events, and club business, stated, “We are delighted to officially bring a regular-season NFL game to Ireland as part of our 2025 international games slate.”
He noted the deep historical connections between both the NFL and the Steelers franchise in Ireland, expressing anticipation for the league’s regular-season debut in Dublin and its commitment to reaching a passionate Irish fanbase.
Importance of Croke Park
Croke Park, the home of the GAA, hosts the Gaelic football and hurling All-Ireland finals annually. Additionally, it held the Special Olympics opening and closing ceremonies in 2003 and the college football game between Notre Dame and Navy in 1996. Beyond its sports heritage, Croke Park has also welcomed global music icons such as U2, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, and Taylor Swift.
GAA president Jarlath Burns conveyed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers to Croke Park.” He remarked that the occasion would showcase the stadium’s world-class facilities and strengthen the bond of sport shared between communities.
Burns characterized Croke Park as a proud symbol of Ireland’s sporting legacy and highlighted the importance of hosting one of the world’s premier sporting organizations as a monumental moment for the nation. He anticipated a special and unique event that celebrates the shared passion of two great sporting cultures in the heart of Dublin.
Regarding other international matches confirmed for 2025, the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Jacksonville Jaguars are designated as the home teams for the NFL London games.
The Jets will be competing in the UK for the second consecutive year and the fourth time, having previously lost 23-17 to the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last October. Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell praised the UK fanbase, expressing eagerness to return.
Cleveland will make their second appearance in a London game in franchise history, having suffered a 33-16 defeat to the Vikings at Twickenham in 2017. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are making their 14th trip to London, leading the league in international appearances after playing consecutive games overseas for two years.
The Miami Dolphins are set to represent the NFL in Madrid at the Bernabeu Stadium, while the Indianapolis Colts will participate in Germany, marking the first NFL game ever held in Berlin.
On Sunday, February 9, the Kansas City Chiefs will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, with live coverage on Sky Sports NFL and Main Event starting at 10 p.m. before kick-off at 11:30 p.m. The half-time show will be headlined by 17-time Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar.
