NFL Eyes Spain: Chicago Bears Consider Barcelona Game

The NFL’s growing international ambitions are increasingly focused on Spain and the Chicago Bears are emerging as strong contenders to participate in the league’s expansion into the European market. While no official announcement has been made regarding specific teams, a confluence of factors points toward the Bears potentially playing a regular season game in Madrid as early as 2026.

The NFL confirmed on February 2nd that regular season games will begin in Madrid in 2026, played at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid soccer. This marks a significant step in the league’s global strategy, adding Spain to its roster of international locations alongside the United Kingdom, Germany, and, newly announced, Australia and France. The league plans to hold a total of nine games outside of the U.S. Next season.

What sets the Bears apart is their existing foothold in the Spanish market. As one of only three NFL teams – alongside the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins – with marketing rights in Spain under the league’s Global Markets Program, Chicago is well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. These marketing rights allow teams to promote the NFL brand locally, forge partnerships, and sell merchandise, effectively building a fan base and establishing a business presence.

According to sources, the NFL often aligns international games with teams that have already invested in a particular market. This strategic approach makes logistical and commercial sense, maximizing the impact of the international venture. The Bears’ marketing connection, as noted by Bear Report’s Zack Pearson, is “something to keep an eye on.”

The possibility of a Bears game in Madrid gained further traction with reports suggesting a potential matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Both teams possess marketing rights in Spain, making a contest between them a logical choice for the NFL to generate excitement and build brand awareness. The Dolphins hosted a game in Madrid in 2025, further solidifying Spain’s place in the NFL’s international plans.

The Bears have prior experience playing internationally, having participated in games in both the United Kingdom and Toronto. They played three games in the UK, including one during Caleb Williams’ rookie season, and a game against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto. This experience could be a factor in the NFL’s decision-making process, demonstrating the team’s ability to adapt to the challenges of international travel and competition.

The NFL’s expansion into Europe isn’t merely about showcasing the game to new audiences; it’s a strategic move to tap into growing international markets. Spain, while relatively new to American football, is showing increasing interest, as evidenced by the first regular season game held there in November 2025. The league views this as a long-term investment, aiming to solidify the NFL’s presence in new territories.

Adding to the speculation, the Bears are scheduled to face the Dolphins during the 2026 regular season as part of their eight road games. This existing matchup further strengthens the argument for a game in Madrid, providing a natural pairing for the NFL to leverage its marketing efforts.

While the Bears’ participation in a Madrid game isn’t guaranteed, the combination of marketing rights, prior international experience, and a scheduled matchup against a fellow Spanish market team makes them a frontrunner. The NFL’s decision will likely be influenced by a variety of factors, including logistical considerations, competitive balance, and the overall goal of maximizing the impact of its international expansion. However, the signs increasingly point toward the Chicago Bears taking their game across the Atlantic in 2026.

The Bears’ president and CEO, Kevin Warren, has publicly valued the possibility of the team playing matches in Spain, highlighting the success of the NFL’s international program in other European markets like the United Kingdom. This positive outlook from team leadership further suggests a willingness to embrace the opportunity and contribute to the league’s global growth.