Key points

On October 23, 2026, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed hope to hold a regular season game in Tokyo in 2027 or 2028. Tokyo is clearly listed as a candidate city for NFL international games, with realization expected in the near future. This marks an important step in the NFL's international expansion. The league plans to continue focusing on priority markets while exploring new cities for hosting games. The Tokyo game is part of the league's global strategy. [1] [2]

NFL's Plan to Hold a Regular Season Game in Tokyo

On October 23, 2026, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell explicitly stated that the NFL hopes to hold a regular season game in Tokyo in 2027 or 2028. He noted that Tokyo is clearly included on the list of candidate cities for international games, with realization expected in the near future. This demonstrates the NFL's emphasis on the Japanese market. Hosting a game in Tokyo is positioned as part of the league's international expansion strategy. The NFL plans to continue focusing on priority markets while also considering new cities for hosting games. [1] [2]

Goodell made these remarks ahead of the NFL's first official game in Paris, indicating the league's active efforts to hold games worldwide. The 2026 season already includes international games scheduled in multiple countries such as Australia, Brazil, France, Spain, Germany, and Mexico, with Tokyo's hosting being part of this trend. Through these efforts, the NFL aims to expand its fan base outside the United States. Hosting a game in Tokyo is expected to further boost the popularity of American football in Japan. [1] [2]

Successful Examples and Challenges of International Expansion

Goodell cited the opening game of the 2026 season held in Melbourne, Australia, between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams as a successful example. This game attracted approximately 100,000 spectators and demonstrated that the NFL can manage the burden on teams from travel while operating international games. The league is learning from each new market, which builds confidence toward realizing a game in Tokyo. Increasing international games is a key pillar of the league's global strategy. [3]

In the 2026 season, the NFL is holding a record nine regular season games outside the United States. These games span seven countries, allowing the league to accumulate know-how in game operations worldwide. Goodell stated that it is possible to manage travel schedules and minimize impacts on teams, and he expressed intent to similarly succeed with a game in Tokyo. These initiatives directly contribute to expanding the NFL's global popularity and market development. The number of games held in international markets is expected to continue increasing. [3]