American football may have started in the United States, but the greatest NFL international games have shown that the sport now belongs to fans worldwide. Since the first official international matchup in 2005, the NFL has made London, Mexico City, Munich, and soon São Paulo, part of its global calendar. These games are more than sporting contests; they are cultural events that showcase the power of the league’s global expansion.
Below is a detailed look at the top 10 greatest NFL international games of all time, remembered for their drama, atmosphere, and history-making moments. Since the first official international matchup in 2005, the NFL has expanded its reach with annual games in London, Mexico, and now Germany, as outlined on the NFL International Games page
1. 2005 Mexico City – Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers
The NFL made history in 2005 when the Arizona Cardinals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31–14 in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca. This was the first-ever regular-season NFL game played outside the United States, and it set the tone for the league’s global journey.
With more than 103,000 fans packing the stadium, it remains one of the largest crowds ever recorded for an NFL game. The vibrant Mexican atmosphere, complete with soccer-style chants and horns, gave fans a unique experience that was different from U.S. stadiums.
2. 2007 London – New York Giants vs Miami Dolphins
Two years later, the NFL headed to London for its first regular-season game in the UK. The New York Giants and Miami Dolphins clashed at Wembley Stadium under heavy rain, with the Giants scraping a 13–10 victory.
Though the scoreline was modest, the game had massive significance. It marked the beginning of the NFL London Games, which have since become a staple of the league calendar. The Giants would also go on to win the Super Bowl that season, making this international fixture even more historic.
3. 2016 Mexico City – Oakland Raiders vs Houston Texans
In 2016, the NFL returned to Mexico with an unforgettable showdown. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Houston Texans 27–20 in front of an electric Estadio Azteca crowd.
The atmosphere was so intense that players described the ground shaking with noise. However, the game was also remembered for the controversial laser pointers aimed at Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler, which caused brief stoppages. Despite that, the matchup highlighted the passion Mexican fans have for American football.
4. 2018 London – Philadelphia Eagles vs Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars had become regular visitors to London, but their clash against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 stood out.
Dubbed the “London Bowl”, this matchup between two physical teams drew more than 85,000 fans. The Eagles triumphed 24–18 in a hard-fought contest, while UK fans enjoyed the Super Bowl champions playing in their city. The game strengthened London’s reputation as the NFL’s “second home.”
5. 2019 Mexico City – Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers
The 2019 Monday Night Football matchup at Estadio Azteca was one of the most anticipated games of the season. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 24–17 in front of a roaring Mexican crowd.
Patrick Mahomes, already a rising superstar, led the Chiefs to victory. The game was also symbolic, as the NFL had canceled a planned Mexico City game in 2018 due to poor field conditions. The successful return reassured fans of the league’s commitment to Mexico.
6. 2014 London – Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons
One of the most dramatic finishes in international NFL history came in 2014 when the Detroit Lions staged a 22–21 comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium.
Trailing 21–0 at halftime, the Lions clawed their way back and won the game on a last-second field goal. It remains one of the best examples of resilience and drama that international fans have ever witnessed live.
7. 2021 London – Jacksonville Jaguars vs Miami Dolphins
For the Jaguars, London has always felt like a second home. But in 2021, they made headlines by ending their 20-game losing streak in front of UK fans.
A dramatic 23–20 victory over the Dolphins came via a last-second field goal from Matthew Wright. The moment symbolized hope for Jaguars fans and showed the emotional power of the NFL’s international stage.
8. 2010 London – New England Patriots vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers clashed in 2010 at Wembley, with the Patriots winning 35–7.
What made this game memorable wasn’t the scoreline, but the presence of Tom Brady, who was making his first appearance in London. Brady threw for three touchdowns, and fans witnessed a living legend play in person, adding to the game’s historic value.
9. 2022 Munich – Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Seattle Seahawks
In 2022, the NFL expanded further into Europe with its first-ever regular-season game in Germany. At Munich’s Allianz Arena, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21–16.
The crowd of more than 70,000 created one of the most unforgettable atmospheres in NFL history. Fans sang songs in unison, including “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” turning the event into a global celebration of American football.
10. 2017 London – Jacksonville Jaguars vs Baltimore Ravens
In 2017, the Jacksonville Jaguars stunned the Baltimore Ravens with a 44–7 blowout win at Wembley Stadium.
It was one of the most lopsided international results in NFL history, and it proved that the Jaguars could dominate overseas. While the scoreline was surprising, the game left a mark as one of the defining moments of the NFL’s London era.
Legacy of NFL International Games
These greatest NFL international games demonstrate how far the league has come in building a global presence. The NFL London Games are now annual traditions, Mexico City remains a stronghold for passionate fans, and Germany has entered the spotlight with its historic Munich debut.
As the league prepares to expand further, including new games in Brazil, the history of these international matchups proves that American football has truly become a worldwide phenomenon.
