The NFL is taking its global ambitions to new heights in 2025, with the Minnesota Vikings leading the charge in an unprecedented intercontinental adventure. For the first time in league history, a single team will play two international regular-season games in one season, facing off in Dublin, Ireland, and London, England. This historic doubleheader underscores the NFL’s commitment to expanding its footprint worldwide, with the Vikings at the forefront of this transformative moment.
A Groundbreaking Schedule
The Vikings’ 2025 international slate begins at Croke Park in Dublin, where they will take on the Chicago Bears. This matchup marks the NFL’s first regular-season game in Ireland, a milestone that promises to electrify the Emerald Isle. Just two weeks later, the Vikings will cross the Irish Sea to face the Jacksonville Jaguars at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This ambitious schedule makes Minnesota the first team to play multiple international games in a single season, a feat that cements their place in NFL history.
The NFL’s 2025 international lineup also includes other exciting matchups. In Week 1, the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles will kick off the season in São Paulo, Brazil, at Corinthians Arena, marking the league’s first game in South America. In London, the New York Jets will face the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium, while the Jaguars will also play the Atlanta Falcons at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Additionally, the Carolina Panthers will take on an unspecified opponent in Berlin, Germany, at Olympiastadion, further expanding the NFL’s European presence.
The Vikings’ Global Legacy
The Vikings are no strangers to international play, having competed in London four times previously, more than any other NFL team. Their 2025 games in Dublin and London will bring their total to six international appearances, tying them with the Jaguars for the most in league history. This global experience has made the Vikings a natural choice for the NFL’s bold experiment in 2025.
“This is a historic moment for our organization and the NFL,” said a Vikings spokesperson. “Playing in Dublin and London in the same season is a testament to our commitment to growing the game globally and connecting with our international fans.”
Dublin: A New Frontier
The NFL’s debut in Ireland at Croke Park, a historic venue known for Gaelic football and hurling, is a significant step in the league’s global expansion. The game against the Bears is expected to draw a passionate crowd, blending American football fervor with Irish sporting tradition. The NFL has already seen success in engaging Irish fans, with over 600,000 tuning in to watch games in 2024. The Dublin game is poised to build on this momentum, potentially paving the way for more games in Ireland under the NFL’s Global Markets Program.
London: A Familiar Stage
In London, the Vikings will return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue that has hosted NFL games since 2019. Their matchup against the Jaguars, a team with a strong London fanbase due to their annual games there, promises to be a thrilling contest. The NFL’s long-standing presence in the UK, with 39 games played in London since 2007, ensures a knowledgeable and enthusiastic crowd for this clash.
A Global Vision
The NFL’s 2025 international schedule reflects its broader strategy to grow the sport worldwide. With games in Brazil, Ireland, the UK, and Germany, the league is targeting diverse markets with growing fanbases. The Vikings’ role in this expansion is pivotal, as their back-to-back games in Dublin and London demonstrate the feasibility of an intensive international schedule. The NFL’s Global Markets Program, which grants teams marketing rights in specific countries, has already awarded the Vikings rights in the UK, alongside the Bears and Jaguars in Ireland.
Challenges and Opportunities
Playing two international games presents logistical challenges for the Vikings, including travel fatigue and time zone adjustments. However, the team’s experience in London and their bye week following the Dublin game should help mitigate these issues. The opportunity to engage with fans in two countries and make NFL history outweighs the challenges, positioning the Vikings as trailblazers in the league’s global journey.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL continues to expand its international presence, the Vikings’ 2025 season could serve as a blueprint for future schedules. The league has expressed interest in hosting up to eight international games per season, with potential new destinations like Madrid, Spain, on the horizon. For now, the Vikings are focused on making their Dublin and London games unforgettable, both for their fans and for the history books.
From the hallowed grounds of Croke Park to the modern marvel of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Minnesota Vikings are rewriting the NFL’s global narrative. Their unprecedented intercontinental journey in 2025 is more than a pair of games—it’s a bold statement that American football belongs on the world stage.
