As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is underway, season schedule news continues to surface, with the Detroit Lions making headlines. The league’s International Series has become a prominent feature on the regular-season schedule, and this year, a record nine games will be played abroad. Where will the Lions play?
Lions To Play Regular-Season Game in Major European Country
The Lions will be playing abroad for the first time in a decade when they travel to Munich, Germany, for a matchup. While their opponent has yet to be determined, German fans will be anticipating the electric offense led by quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and more.
“The Lions will play a 2026 regular-season game in Munich, Germany,” ESPN insider Adam Schefter posted on X.
The last time the Lions played internationally was in 2015, when head coach Jim Caldwell and company took on Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Lions fell well short, as Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith dismantled them to the tune of 45-10. Kansas City shut down legendary Lions wideout Calvin Johnson in the red zone, while Reid’s defense sacked Stafford six times.
The Lions will play a 2026 regular-season game in Munich, Germany. pic.twitter.com/ZYx8hdKov2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 24, 2026
The only other time the Lions played overseas was in 2014, when they faced the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley. That year, however, was a strong year for the Lions, and it took care of business abroad. With help from the No. 3 defense in the NFL (80.4 PFSN Defense Impact), Stafford took down Matt Ryan and the Falcons in a dramatic 22-point comeback in the second half to claim a 22-21 win.
The NFL has delivered European fans plenty of thrilling entertainment over the years, leaving them thirsting for more.
“Germany continues to be a key market in the NFL’s international growth ambitions, with Europe’s largest fanbase,” said NFL Germany general manager Alexander Steinforth.
“We are excited to welcome the Detroit Lions to play in the 2026 NFL Munich game — and in partnership with the Lions, FC Bayern Munich, and the City of Munich, we look forward to bringing an incredible NFL experience to fans across the region in the 2026 NFL season.”
Players are also eager to play abroad and experience the energy that European fans bring to the game. Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, interestingly, has German roots on his mother’s side. “It has been a dream of mine to play a game in my mother’s home country of Germany since coming to the league,” the receiver said. “I cannot wait to play in front of the incredible fans that I’ve gotten to know through my visits and football camps in the country.”
It’ll be interesting to see who the Lions will face on their trip to Munich. The energy should be high, as German fans light up the stadium with their soccer spirit.
