The first-ever NFL regular-season game in Europe was never supposed to be a one-off spectacle. When the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders took the field at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid on November 16, 2025, they didn’t just deliver a high-scoring thriller—they cemented the NFL’s long-term ambitions on the continent.

With Simone Inzaghi, the former Inter Milan coach, making headlines for his global football passion, the NFL’s European expansion has sparked conversations about how American football could grow beyond its traditional markets. But the reality is that the Dolphins-Commanders clash was a landmark event years before it was ever announced.

The Game That Changed Everything

On a crisp autumn afternoon in Madrid, the NFL’s first regular-season game outside North America drew a crowd of over 67,000 fans—packing the iconic Santiago Bernabéu, home of Real Madrid CF. The Dolphins, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, faced off against the Commanders, with Jamin Davis and the NFC East’s best defense.

The game was a statement of intent. The NFL had been testing international markets for years—London, Germany, Mexico—but this was the first time a regular-season contest was played outside North America. The Dolphins won 27–24 in a back-and-forth battle, with Daniels throwing for 310 yards and two touchdowns, although Davis and the Commanders’ defense forced three turnovers.

Key stats from the historic matchup:

• Attendance: 67,432 (sold out)
• Final Score: Dolphins 27, Commanders 24
• Jayden Daniels: 310 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
• Jamin Davis: 10 tackles, 1 sack
• Kickoff Time (Local): 3:30 PM CET (UTC+1)

Why Madrid? The NFL’s European Strategy

The choice of Madrid—and the Bernabéu—was no accident. The NFL has long eyed Europe as a growth market, and Spain’s football culture, combined with its central location, made it an ideal launchpad. The game was part of a broader initiative to bring NFL action to global audiences, with plans to expand international games in the coming years.

“This is just the beginning,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after the game. “We’re committed to growing the game worldwide, and Madrid was the perfect place to start.”

The NFL’s European expansion isn’t just about games—it’s about building a fanbase. With the Dolphins and Commanders already planning return trips to Spain in 2026, the league is betting that European fans will embrace the sport as much as they have soccer.

Simone Inzaghi’s Global Football Passion

While there is no verified evidence that Simone Inzaghi attended the Dolphins-Commanders game in Madrid, his recent statements highlight his admiration for football beyond soccer. In a 2026 interview, Inzaghi—now coaching Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia—praised the intensity and tactical depth of American football.

Le vittorie con Bayern e Barça valgono più dei trofei. Se avessi battuto il Psg a Monaco non sarei andato via.

Simone Inzaghi, former Inter Milan coach (April 2026)

Translation: The victories against Bayern and Barcelona are worth more than trophies. If I had beaten PSG in Monaco, I wouldn’t have left. Inzaghi’s words underscore his belief in the beauty of competition, regardless of sport. His global perspective aligns with the NFL’s push into Europe—a continent where football (soccer) reigns supreme, but where American football is gaining traction.

Inzaghi’s career has spanned some of the world’s biggest clubs, from Inter Milan to Lazio, and his tactical genius has made him a revered figure. His recent move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal further solidified his status as a coach who embraces new challenges—and new sports.

What’s Next for the NFL in Europe?

The Dolphins-Commanders game was just the first step. The NFL has already announced plans to expand international games in 2026, with London, Munich, and Mexico City on the horizon. The league is also exploring partnerships with European football clubs to promote NFL events, much like how soccer clubs host pre-season friendlies.

For fans, this means more opportunities to see NFL action live. The Dolphins and Commanders are expected to return to Madrid in 2026, with other teams like the New York Jets and Los Angeles Chargers also planning European stops.

Upcoming NFL games in Europe (2026):

• New York Jets vs. Los Angeles Chargers (London, October 2026)
• Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders (Madrid, November 2026)
• New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills (Munich, December 2026)

How to Follow the NFL’s European Expansion

If you missed the Dolphins-Commanders game in Madrid, don’t worry—there’s plenty more to come. Here’s how you can stay updated:

• Official NFL International Page – For game schedules and news.
• Washington Commanders International – Team updates on European games.
• Miami Dolphins International – Dolphins’ European schedule and tickets.
• NFL Ticket Sales – Information on purchasing tickets for international games.

Key Takeaways

• The Dolphins-Commanders game in Madrid (November 2025) was the NFL’s first regular-season game in Europe, drawing over 67,000 fans.
• Simone Inzaghi’s global football passion reflects a broader trend of sports crossover, with the NFL expanding beyond North America.
• Europe is now a key market for the NFL, with plans to host more games in 2026 and beyond.
• Fans can expect more international NFL action, including return trips to Madrid and new stops in London and Munich.

Final Thoughts

The NFL’s European expansion is more than just a novelty—it’s a strategic move to grow the sport globally. With the Dolphins and Commanders setting the stage in Madrid, the league is proving that American football can thrive beyond its traditional borders. And while Simone Inzaghi may not have been in the stands for that historic game, his words remind us that football, in all its forms, is a universal language.

As the NFL continues to build its presence in Europe, one thing is clear: the game is just getting started.