Over the past three seasons, the Green Bay Packers have participated in two international games, expanding their reach beyond U.S. borders. It seems 2025 will continue this global trend as the Packers are slated for another international matchup, this time against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Ireland. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, the game is expected to take place as part of the NFL’s expanding international series.

The NFL has made it clear that international games are becoming a regular feature of its schedule, with a total of eight games planned for next season. This expansion reflects the league’s growing commitment to its global fanbase. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed earlier this year that several international destinations will host games in 2025. “We are definitely going to Spain, we announced that,” Goodell remarked. “We expect to return to Mexico City, to Brazil. We will certainly be back in the U.K. and we’re also looking at the potential of another game in the U.K. area, possibly in Ireland. And we’ll certainly be back here in Germany. So if that totals eight, that’s what we’re shooting for.”

Ireland has a unique history with the NFL, having previously hosted a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears in 1997. However, the upcoming matchup between the Packers and Steelers would mark the first-ever regular season game on Irish soil, adding an exciting new chapter to the country’s brief NFL history.

Next season will also feature an intriguing scheduling twist as the AFC has an additional home game due to the league’s balanced 17-game schedule. By playing in Ireland on a neutral field, the Packers will maintain their usual mix of eight home games and eight road games, with the international game adding an extra layer of excitement to their season.

However, the Packers’ previous ventures outside the United States have not been entirely successful. In 2022, they faced the New York Giants in London, a game that ended in a 27-22 loss despite being designated as the home team. In Week 1 of the 2024 season, Green Bay traveled to São Paulo, Brazil, for the first-ever NFL game in the country. They again came up short, losing 34-29 to the Philadelphia Eagles. These results may leave some fans wondering if international games are a tough road for the Packers, but the NFL is committed to expanding its global footprint, and the team will be looking to reverse its fortunes abroad in 2025.

Steelers President Art Rooney II also expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of returning to Ireland. “We’re hoping that sometime soon we’ll be playing another game in Ireland,” Rooney shared. “We played back in the ‘90s, it was a preseason game. We expect next time we play a game in Ireland it will probably be a regular-season game. And who knows, it could be one of these years coming up soon.”

Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital, is expected to be the site of the game, with Aviva Stadium and Croke Park both being considered as potential venues. These iconic locations would provide a fitting backdrop for the NFL’s return to the country with a regular season matchup, offering fans a thrilling atmosphere to witness the Packers and Steelers clash on international soil.

While the Packers may not be thrilled about another lengthy international trip, it’s clear that the NFL’s push for globalization is here to stay. The league has steadily expanded its footprint worldwide, and with the Packers and Steelers joining the list of teams set to play abroad in 2025, the league continues to make strides in connecting with its international audience. Whether or not the Packers are excited about their travel schedule, one thing is certain: international games are an integral part of the NFL’s future, and teams will need to adapt to this evolving trend in the years to come.