Top 10 Greatest NFL International Games of All Time

The NFL’s international expansion has redefined how American football connects with global audiences. Since the first official overseas game in 2005, fans across London, Mexico City, and recently Germany, have witnessed some of the league’s most unforgettable moments. These matches are not just about scores—they represent culture, passion, and the growing influence of football worldwide.

Official details about the international series can be found on the NFL International Games page.

1. 2005 Mexico City – Cardinals vs. 49ers

• First-ever regular-season NFL game played outside the U.S.
• Drew over 103,000 fans at Estadio Azteca.
• Cardinals beat 49ers 31–14.

The first-ever regular-season NFL game outside the U.S. drew over 103,000 fans to Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Arizona defeated San Francisco 31–14, making history as the birth of the NFL’s international era.

2. 2007 London – Giants vs. Dolphins

• First regular-season game in London, Wembley Stadium.
• Giants won 13–10 in rainy conditions.
• Kickstarted the NFL London games tradition.

Wembley Stadium hosted its first NFL game as the Giants beat the Dolphins 13–10. This muddy, rain-soaked battle was crucial in establishing London as the league’s second home.

3. 2010 London – Patriots vs. Buccaneers

• Patriots dominated 35–7.
• Memorable as Tom Brady’s first NFL London appearance.

Tom Brady led the Patriots to a 35–7 win in front of a roaring Wembley crowd. The game proved the NFL’s international vision was here to stay.

4. 2013 London – Vikings vs. Steelers

Fans witnessed Adrian Peterson’s power and Big Ben’s grit in a high-energy clash. The 34–27 Vikings win was one of the most thrilling London encounters.

5. 2016 Mexico City – Raiders vs. Texans

• Epic atmosphere with Azteca crowd noise shaking the stadium.
• Raiders won 27–20.
• Featured laser pointer controversy on Texans QB Brock Osweiler.

The NFL returned to Mexico after 11 years, with the Raiders defeating the Texans 27–20. The crowd’s electric atmosphere was described as one of the loudest in NFL history, a moment widely covered by ESPN.

6. 2017 London – Jaguars vs. Ravens

• Jaguars shocked Ravens with a 44–7 blowout.
• One of the most lopsided international games.

Jacksonville shocked Baltimore with a 44–7 blowout. The game solidified the Jaguars’ reputation as “London’s team.”

7. 2018 London – Eagles vs. Jaguars

• Known as the “London Bowl” rivalry game.
• Eagles beat Jaguars 24–18 in front of passionate UK fans.

A matchup of defending champions and fan favorites turned Wembley into a sea of green and teal. Eagles won 24–18, marking a memorable clash.

8. 2019 London – Panthers vs. Buccaneers

Christian McCaffrey dominated with two touchdowns as the Panthers beat Tampa Bay 37–26. Fans saw the emergence of a true NFL superstar on foreign soil.

9. 2022 Munich, Germany – Buccaneers vs. Seahawks

• First-ever regular-season NFL game in Germany.
• Tom Brady led Bucs to a 21–16 win.
• Fans sang “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

For the first time, the NFL went to Germany. Tom Brady once again delivered, leading Tampa Bay to a 21–16 win in Munich’s Allianz Arena. The German crowd sang along to “Country Roads,” making it one of the most emotional NFL international moments ever.

10. 2023 Frankfurt, Germany – Chiefs vs. Dolphins

Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill faced off in a dramatic 21–14 win for Kansas City. The clash highlighted the NFL’s ongoing success in expanding globally.

From the muddy fields of Wembley to the electric noise of Estadio Azteca and Munich’s Allianz Arena, the NFL’s international journey is only growing stronger. With more games lined up, fans worldwide can expect even more historic clashes in the years ahead.