The Detroit Lions are taking their blue-collar brand of football global. In a major announcement that has fans on both sides of the Atlantic buzzing, the franchise revealed it will play a regular-season game in Munich, Germany, during the 2026 NFL season. This marks a monumental first for the Lions, who have never played an official game in Germany, and signals the league's continued aggressive international expansion.
Touchdown in Bavaria
The game will be hosted at the iconic Allianz Arena, home to legendary soccer club FC Bayern Munich. This venture abroad ends a long hiatus for the Lions, whose last international appearance dates back to a 2015 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs in London. While the specific opponent, date, and kickoff time for the Munich matchup will be unveiled during the NFL's full schedule release this spring, the mere confirmation has already generated significant excitement.
"We are thrilled to be playing internationally and specifically in Munich for the 2026 season," said Lions president and CEO Rod Wood in an official statement. "As an organization, we have invested greatly in the German market and are excited to play in front of our passionate German fans." This strategic move underscores the NFL's commitment to growing its fanbase in key European markets, with Germany emerging as a particularly fertile ground for American football.
A Dream Come True for St. Brown
Perhaps no one on the roster is more excited about the transatlantic trip than star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. His mother, Miriam Steyer, was born in Germany, making this game a profound personal milestone. "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. "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."
St. Brown's connection has already helped cultivate a unique bond between the team and German supporters, making the Lions a natural choice for this high-profile international fixture. His enthusiasm is palpable and adds a deeply human element to the business of global scheduling.
Building on a Foundation
The announcement comes as the Lions look to rebound from a 2025 campaign that fell short of expectations. After a 9-8 season that saw them miss the playoffs, the team is focused on retooling and returning to the form that made them recent NFC contenders. Early betting projections for the upcoming season set the team's win total over/under at 10.5, and they are currently favored to win the NFC North. This international game provides a future highlight and a testament to the franchise's rising profile under its current leadership.
Playing in Germany is more than just a one-off game; it's a critical piece of the NFL's long-term international strategy. The league has successfully used the International Series to build fervent fan communities abroad, and the Lions' selection for the coveted German slot indicates the league's confidence in the team's marketability and competitive appeal. The game promises to be a spectacle, blending the intense atmosphere of a European soccer cathedral with the hard-hitting action of the NFL.
For Lions fans everywhere, from Detroit to Deutschland, the 2026 season now holds a unique and historic date. It's a chance to showcase the grit and spirit of Detroit football on one of the world's biggest sporting stages. As preparations begin, all eyes will be on the schedule release this spring to see which opponent will have the challenge of facing the Lions in front of a roaring crowd in Munich.
