• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 5, 2025

Inside the NFL Meetings: International Games, Turf Debates, and More

  • Decision forthcoming on additional international game in 2024
  • League also looking to soccer governing body for help on field issues
KIRBY LEE-USA TODAY SPORTS

NEW YORK — The NFL is still considering bringing a 2024 regular-season game to either Spain or Brazil, looking to further activate an international market it hopes can replicate the fan fervor seen in Germany.

NFL EVP Peter O’Reilly said the league is in a review process on both markets as it looks to create an additional international game next year, joining planned ones in London and Munich. 

The international game opening was created when Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca began renovations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a situation that also impacted the NFL’s 2023 schedule.

First mentioned publicly last month, a decision on whether and when the NFL will go to Spain or Brazil is expected in December or January.

In either instance, the NFL is aiming for a market response similar to that of Germany, which has seen a run of instant sellouts and massive spikes on merchandise and secondary ticket markets.

“There’s real opportunity,” O’Reilly said. “Germany is a unique market with the history of NFL Europe and how strong the American football legacy is there, but the reason we’re looking at Brazil and Spain is based on the size of the fanbases there.”

Turf Battles

Facing rising unrest over the state of its playing surfaces and potential links to player injuries, the NFL is turning to a perhaps unlikely source for help: FIFA. 

The league will seek to engage with the global soccer governing body on field research and best practices, extending efforts to learn more about field composition and its effects. 

The linkage is driven heavily by FIFA’s plan to use NFL stadiums for much of the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and Texas’ AT&T Stadium have been identified as the leading candidates to host that tournament’s final. 

FIFA is using hybrid grass for the World Cup, contrasting with the artificial turf used in half of NFL stadiums.

“We want to take a look at the variety of surfaces that they have and use some of the metrics that we measure against, things like hardness, traction, [overall] performance,” said Jeff Miller, NFL EVP. “For us, it’s less about grass vs. synthetic than looking at the characteristics of each and reducing injury rates of both.”

Coaching Shift

NFL clubs approved a shift in which all in-person head coach interviews will be held after the conclusion of all divisional playoff games. The move is designed to create a more level playing field for coaching talent, as well as boost diverse hiring.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Goodell Signals Early Move on Next NFL Rights Deals As Ratings Surge

The league could begin talks on domestic media deals as soon as 2026.

After Draft-Day Snub and Drama, Sanders to Start Preseason Opener

Multiple injuries mean Sanders gets the nod for the opening preseason game.

US Open Breaks Prize Money Record, Still Leads All Grand Slams

The total 2025 US Open prize money is $85 million.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.

Bad Bunny, U.S. Officials Trade Barbs Over Super Bowl Halftime Show

DHS Secretary Noem attacks the choice, while Bad Bunny responds on SNL.
[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Mar 16, 2025; Singapore, SINGAPORE; Joaquin Niemann in action during the final round of LIV Golf Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club.
October 3, 2025

LIV Golf Lost $461M in Non-U.S. Operations in 2024

Public financial filings were released this week in the U.K.
Signs promoting the FIFA World Cup Final coming to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday Feb. 7, 2024. The World Cup is held every four years and the 2026 World Cup Final match will be played at MetLife Stadium.
October 3, 2025

High Ticket Prices Define First World Cup Presale

Most fans weren’t picked for the pricey first presale window.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers fans cheer during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL International Series game at Croke Park.
October 3, 2025

NFL Wants to Play on a Record Fifth Continent

Asia is in the league’s sights after a 2026 game in Australia.
Grand Slam Track
exclusive
October 3, 2025

Investors Keep Grand Slam Track Alive With 8-Figure Lifeline

The league paid athletes half of what they’re owed Friday.
October 2, 2025

FIFA Won’t Move 2026 World Cup Matches Despite Trump Remarks

The organization’s VP pushes back on recent comments from Trump.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 27, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team Europe's Matt Fitzpatrick celebrates with Tyrrell Hatton after holing his putt to win the hole on the 9th hole during the four-balls on the second day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
October 2, 2025

Ryder Cup Fallout Continues As PGA of America Leaders Take Heat

European players are still not happy with the fan behavior.