The NFL is making waves across the Atlantic once again, and this time, it’s the Detroit Lions stepping into the international spotlight. On February 24, 2026, the league officially announced that the Lions will host a regular-season game in Munich, Germany, at the iconic FC Bayern Munich Stadium during the 2026 season. The precise opponent, date, and kickoff time remain under wraps, but anticipation is already building on both sides of the ocean.
This marks the Lions’ first international appearance in more than a decade. Their last overseas venture came in 2015, when they faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs at London’s Wembley Stadium—a tough 45-10 loss that still lingers in the memories of die-hard fans. Before that, Detroit’s 2014 trip to London was a wild ride: down 21-0 to the Atlanta Falcons, the Lions clawed their way back for a thrilling 22-21 victory, sealed by kicker Matt Prater’s walk-off field goal. With a 1-1 record abroad, the Lions are hungry for a fresh start on the world stage.
For Lions president and CEO Rod Wood, the Munich matchup is the culmination of years of strategic planning and outreach. “We are thrilled to be playing internationally and specifically in Munich for the 2026 season,” Wood said in a statement. “As an organization, we have invested greatly in the German market and are excited to play in front of our passionate German fans.”
That investment is no accident. Since 2024, the Lions have held NFL Global Market Program rights in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, unlocking a treasure trove of marketing and fan engagement opportunities. The team has hosted youth football camps across Germany, and in 2025, they inked a multi-year strategic partnership with Bundesliga powerhouse 1. FC Köln (FC Cologne). The Lions have even introduced a German mascot, "Leo Löwe," to further cement their presence in the region. Annual Thanksgiving viewing parties in Germany have brought new fans into the fold, with dozens treated to authentic American football and feasts.
But perhaps the most compelling connection between Detroit and Deutschland is star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The dynamic playmaker’s mother, Miriam, was born in Köln (Cologne), and St. Brown himself speaks fluent German. He’s made frequent trips to Germany since childhood, visiting family and hosting football camps that have inspired a new generation of fans. “It has been a dream of mine to play a game in my mother’s home country of Germany since coming to the league,” St. Brown shared in a press release. “I cannot wait to play in front of the incredible fans that I’ve gotten to know through my visits and football camps in the country. Their support for me and the country’s instant connection to the Lions brand is inspiring, and I’m looking forward to our team getting to showcase Detroit football on an international scale.”
St. Brown’s enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s not just about football. He’s even expressed a desire to represent Germany in flag football at the 2028 Olympics. When asked how many tickets his mother might need for the big game in Munich, St. Brown joked, “Probably like 50, 60. I’m like, ‘Damn, that’s crazy.’” It’s clear the Lions’ trip to Germany will be a family affair for one of the league’s brightest stars.
The NFL’s international ambitions are growing, with commissioner Roger Goodell reiterating at this year’s Super Bowl his hope to expand the global slate to 16 games per season—ideally, one for every team. For now, the 2026 season will feature nine international matchups, with games set for Australia, Brazil, England, France, Mexico, Spain, and, of course, Germany. The Lions’ home game in Munich will be among the marquee events, drawing fans from across Europe and North America.
Detroit’s 2026 home schedule is stacked, with possible Munich opponents including the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or Tennessee Titans. The NFL will reveal the exact matchup and date during its broader schedule release, but speculation is already running high. Could it be a fierce NFC North rivalry game, or will the Lions face off against a storied franchise from another division? Only time will tell.
The logistics of international play are no small feat. According to league policy, teams must give up a home game for international play at least once every eight years, with the option to protect three home contests per season. The NFL also builds in a three-week travel buffer around international games to help teams manage the demanding schedule. These measures are designed to ensure that the excitement of global competition doesn’t come at the expense of player health or team performance.
For the Lions, the Munich game represents more than just a single contest—it’s a statement of intent. The franchise has broadened its international reach in recent years, securing marketing rights not just in Germany, but also in Brazil, Canada, Austria, and Switzerland. “Germany, with the number of games that are being played there, and in particular with St. Brown’s popularity, was kind of a natural thing to draft off of his popularity and vice versa, cause I know he wants to do some things over there,” Rod Wood explained. The team’s efforts to grow its fanbase abroad have already paid dividends, and the upcoming game promises to deepen those ties.
Fans eager to witness this historic event are encouraged to keep tabs on ticket and travel package announcements at the team’s official international site: https://www.detroitlions.com/international/munich. With the NFL’s global footprint expanding and the Lions at the forefront of the movement, the 2026 Munich game is shaping up to be a landmark moment for both the franchise and the sport.
As Detroit gears up for its first international clash in over a decade, all eyes will be on FC Bayern Munich Stadium. Will the Lions add a second overseas victory to their record? Will St. Brown electrify his mother’s homeland with a breakout performance? The answers are still to come, but one thing’s for sure—the countdown to Munich has begun, and the excitement is palpable on both sides of the Atlantic.