The NFL is making history by heading to Ireland for the very first time. This Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings will face off in Dublin, not just in a pivotal Week 4 matchup but as part of the league’s growing international footprint.
The game highlights the NFL’s 2025 International Series, bringing the excitement of American football across the Atlantic and giving fans in Ireland a chance to witness top-tier NFL action live for the first time. So, here’s everything you need to know about this landmark matchup.
Why Did the NFL Choose Dublin for Vikings-Steelers?
While the NFL has been incredibly popular in the United States for many years, the league has made a clear push in recent years to expand its global reach. That effort has transformed the International Series from a rare spectacle into a regular and highly anticipated part of the schedule.
The 2025 season takes that momentum to new heights, with seven regular-season games to be played overseas. For the first time ever, fans in Madrid, Berlin, and Dublin will get to experience NFL action live, marking another milestone in the league’s international growth.
So why Dublin, and why the Steelers vs. Vikings? Much of the decision comes down to the Steelers’ historic connection to Ireland. The late Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Daniel M. Rooney served as the U.S. ambassador to Ireland in 2009 and co-founded the philanthropic organization Ireland Funds.
His legacy, carried on by current Steelers owner Art Rooney II, made the team a natural choice for the league’s first game in the Emerald Isle.
“The Rooney family name carries a tremendous amount of weight, so when they initially expressed an interest in playing a game in Ireland, it meant that a lot of people sat up and took notice,” said Henry Hodgson, general manager of the NFL UK and Ireland.
Additionally, under the NFL’s Global Markets program, the Steelers hold league-granted rights for the “island of Ireland,” meaning any matchup in the country was likely to feature Pittsburgh.
The game will kick off at 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network. Joe Davis will handle play-by-play, Greg Olsen will be the analyst, while Pam Oliver and Jamie Erdahl will handle sideline reporting duties.
What Does the Complete 2025 International Series Schedule Look Like?
Following the Week 4 action between the Vikings and Steelers, the 2025 International Series will witness the Minnesota Vikings in action against the Cleveland Browns in the U.K.
Here’s a look at the complete schedule:
Friday, September 5 | Week 1
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 8:00 p.m. ET, YouTube (Brazil) – Result: Chargers Won 27-21.
Sunday, September 28 | Week 4
Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network (Ireland)
Sunday, October 5 | Week 5
Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network (U.K.)
Sunday, October 12 | Week 6
Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network (U.K.)
Sunday, October 19 | Week 7
Los Angeles Rams vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network (U.K.)
Sunday, November 9 | Week 10
Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network (Germany)
Sunday, November 16 | Week 11
Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network (Spain)
