Roger Goodell Eyes Regular Season NFL Game in Japan

The NFL is set to expand its global reach in 2027, with Commissioner Roger Goodell highlighting multiple potential locations, including Japan. Speaking at the recent 'Fanatics Fest,' Goodell expressed interest in bringing regular-season football to the country for the first time.

According to reporting by CBS Sports - NFL, Goodell mentioned he has a dozen countries on his radar for future international games. The league has already played in Japan during preseason but aims for full-fledged regular-season matches. Potential teams with ties to Japan include the Los Angeles Rams and the Washington Commanders.

Two quarterbacks from the Commanders squad have connections to Japan—Robert Griffin III, having spent his youth there, and Jayden Daniels, wearing a Japanese flag sticker on his helmet in honor of his heritage.

NFL’s 2026 International Schedule

  • The league plans nine international games this season, including its first regular-season game in Australia. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers will travel to both Australia and Mexico City on their schedule.

Roger Goodell has set a goal for at least 16 international games per season when the current CBA runs through 2030, though that is currently limited to 10 due to existing agreements. The NFL aims to make every team play in an exciting new market, such as Tokyo.

In previous decades, the league has played “American Bowl” games in locations like West Berlin and Sydney. This time, regular-season action could be Japan’s calling card beyond just a preseason game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an NFL team play multiple international games in one season?

The San Francisco 49ers set records by playing two separate international games this year—one in Australia and another in Mexico City, making them the first to do so without back-to-back weeks.

Which teams are most likely to play in Japan?

The Los Angeles Rams and the Washington Commanders could be natural fits given their proximity and marketing rights within Global Markets Program. Both teams have ties through player backgrounds linked to Japan.