The Cincinnati Bengals are packing their bags for an exciting trip across the Atlantic—heading to Madrid, Spain, for a regular-season NFL showdown in 2026. This marks a thrilling new chapter for the team and its growing global fanbase.
Scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8, with a 9:30 a.m. EDT kickoff, the Bengals will face the Atlanta Falcons as the visiting team. The game will take place at the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the iconic home of Spanish soccer powerhouse Real Madrid CF. This venue, which first hosted an NFL game in 2025, is known for its electric atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities, making it a perfect stage for international football.
This will be the Bengals' third regular-season international game, following their trips to London's Wembley Stadium in 2016 and 2019. Interestingly, the 2026 Madrid game also sets the stage for back-to-back international play, as Cincinnati is confirmed to be the host team for a 2027 overseas game. It's clear the Bengals are committed to building a global presence.
"We are excited to take the Bengals abroad again and build upon the incredible support of our global fanbase," said Elizabeth Blackburn, the team's Director of Strategy and Engagement. "This Madrid game is a special opportunity to showcase the passion, energy, and community that define Bengals fandom worldwide."
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a marvel in itself, seating about 84,000 spectators. Home to Real Madrid—the most decorated club in Spanish football history with 36 league titles and 15 UEFA Champions League trophies—the venue underwent a jaw-dropping $1.9 billion renovation, fully unveiled in 2025. Upgrades include a 360-degree video scoreboard, a retractable roof, and an innovative underground turf storage system, allowing for year-round events.
For Bengals fans, this trip brings back memories of their previous international games at Wembley. In 2016, Cincinnati's first overseas outing ended in a historic 27-27 tie with Washington—the first tie in an international NFL game. They returned to London in 2019 for another memorable contest. Now, with Madrid on the horizon, the Bengals are ready to write the next chapter of their global journey.