The Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals arrive in Madrid this week, transforming the Spanish capital into a temporary hub for the National Football League. The two franchises are scheduled to play this Sunday at 15:30, marking a high-profile international showcase for the league at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Stadium transformation at the Santiago Bernabéu
Work is currently underway to adapt the home of Real Madrid for American football. Crews are removing the standard soccer goals to accommodate the league’s goalposts, while the pitch markings are being adjusted to reflect the yard lines. Rafa de los Santos, the director of the NFL in Spain, noted that the objective is for local fans to experience the surrounding atmosphere of the league firsthand.
Training logistics at Valdebebas and Las Rozas
The Falcons arrived in Madrid early this morning and headed directly to Valdebebas for their first training session. The team is looking to recover from a 16-0 loss last Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Cincinnati Bengals, currently holding a 5-2 record, have opted for a different travel schedule and will begin their training sessions at the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas.
Managing the specialized needs of NFL teams during the middle of their season requires significant coordination. De los Santos explained that finding training sites where teams can work privately is a priority. He noted that the logistical scale of the NFL, including specific equipment requirements for laundry and training facilities, often exceeds standard expectations for international venues.
Coinciding schedules with Real Madrid
The Falcons’ presence at the Valdebebas training complex will overlap with the period the Real Madrid squad is away in Greece. This arrangement allows the NFL team the privacy required for their mid-season practices while utilizing world-class facilities. For sports fans in Madrid, the week represents a unique convergence of two distinct football cultures, with the Falcons entering the city with a 3-4 record as they prepare for the Sunday matchup.
🌎Game Recognize Game🌎 With the 2026 NFL Madrid Game THIS week, Falcons RB @Bijan5Robinson met up w/ Real Madrid star @KMbappe to swap sports🏈⚽️ 📺| https://t.co/XZL91C9ohD 🇪🇸2026 NFL Madrid Game is Sunday at 9:30a ET on @nflnetwork w/ @Bengals vs. @AtlantaFalcons pic.twitter.com/yeaFzPvMsS
Frequently asked questions about the Madrid game
Where can fans watch the game in Spain?
The game is scheduled for broadcast on DAZN and Cuatro this Sunday at 15:30 local time.
How do the teams’ records compare heading into the weekend?
The Cincinnati Bengals enter the matchup with a 5-2 record, while the Atlanta Falcons hold a 3-4 record following their shutout loss to the Buccaneers.
What is the next step for the teams?
The Falcons and Bengals will continue their respective training schedules at Valdebebas and the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas ahead of Sunday’s kickoff.
