The National Football League (NFL) is set to etch its name into Spanish sporting history this Sunday, November 16, 2025, as the Miami Dolphins face off against the Washington Commanders in the league’s inaugural regular-season game on Spanish soil. The highly anticipated clash will take place at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, marking a significant milestone in the NFL’s ambitious global expansion strategy. This event is poised to ignite the passion of an estimated 11 million NFL fans in Spain and further solidify Madrid’s status as a premier destination for international sports, showcasing the growing popularity of NFL in Spain.
A Landmark Event for NFL in Spain
The arrival of the NFL in Spain is more than just a single game; it represents a strategic investment in a burgeoning market eager for new sporting spectacles. Madrid becomes the fourth European city to host an NFL regular-season game, joining London, Munich, and Frankfurt. The decision to bring the league to Spain was announced with considerable fanfare, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stating, “Playing a game in Madrid in 2025 highlights the continued expansion of the league’s global footprint and the accelerated ambitions to take our game to more fans around the world”. This move is expected to have a substantial economic impact on Madrid, with projections indicating it could be around $80 million, boosting the profile of NFL in Spain.
The Iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for NFL Madrid
The historic encounter will unfold at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the renowned home of Real Madrid C.F. Following a massive $1.5 billion renovation completed in 2024, the stadium has transformed into a state-of-the-art venue capable of hosting a multitude of events, including American football. With a capacity exceeding 83,000 spectators after its modernization, the Bernabéu is set to provide a spectacular backdrop for this groundbreaking NFL Madrid game. While the venue has a storied history with soccer, its embrace of American football signifies a significant moment for sports diversity in the region and highlights the potential for NFL Spain.
Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders: The Matchup for NFL Spain
The game features the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders, both teams entering the contest with identical 3-7 records on the 2025 season. For the Dolphins, this international fixture offers a chance to build on recent momentum, having secured a surprising 30-13 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 10. Head coach Mike McDaniel has expressed encouragement regarding the progress of key players like receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back De’Von Achane, who were instrumental in their last win, showcasing exciting American football Spain.
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders have faced a more challenging season, currently on a five-game losing streak. They are expected to start backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, stepping in for the injured Jayden Daniels. Despite their struggles, the Commanders are determined to make their mark on this historic occasion, aiming to avoid further losses and perhaps find a spark on the international stage. The teams’ history shows the Dolphins leading the series 9-5, with Miami winning the most recent encounter in December 2023, a key event in the lead-up to NFL in Spain.
Broadcast Information and Fan Experience for NFL in Spain
Fans across Spain and beyond will have multiple options to catch the inaugural NFL game. The match will be broadcast free-to-air on Cuatro (Mediaset) and streamed simultaneously on Mediaset Infinity, starting at 3 PM CET. Additionally, DAZN will provide live coverage from the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, with NFL Game Pass on DAZN offering comprehensive access to games throughout the season. In the United States, the game will be broadcast on NFL Network and available via streaming services like NFL Plus, Fubo, and Sling TV, ensuring broad viewership for this NFL Spain event.
The NFL’s commitment to growing the sport in Spain extends beyond the game itself. The league has established “NFL España,” with a permanent office in Madrid, signaling long-term intentions for NFL in Spain. This initiative aims to foster deeper fan engagement through social media content, fan events, and partnerships with local sports entities. The presence of the Madrid Bravos, an American football franchise competing in the European League of Football, also highlights the growing grassroots interest in the sport, a trend the NFL hopes to capitalize on. The halftime show promises to be a spectacle, featuring performances by Puerto Rican superstar Daddy Yankee and Argentine producer Bizarrap, adding a significant cultural element to the historic event, further enhancing the NFL Spain experience.
Future of the NFL in Spain
While this game marks the first official regular-season contest, the NFL has ambitious plans for international expansion, with a goal of eventually playing up to 16 games per season outside the U.S.. The success of this Madrid game is seen as a crucial step in that direction for NFL in Spain. The league has already seen immense demand for tickets, with hundreds of thousands of fans vying for a seat, indicating a strong appetite for the sport and NFL Spain. Franchise owners and league executives have expressed optimism about Spain’s potential as a key market, with many franchises now holding marketing rights in various international territories, including Spain for teams like the Dolphins, Chicago Bears, and Kansas City Chiefs. The positive reception and strong fan turnout are expected to pave the way for future NFL games in Spain, potentially establishing a long-term presence similar to that in London and Germany, solidifying NFL in Spain. This event is not merely a game but a testament to the NFL’s vision for a truly global sport, with Spain now firmly on that map, showcasing the exciting NFL 2025 season.
Key Details:
* Matchup: Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders
* Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025
* Kickoff Time: 3:30 PM CET (9:30 AM ET / 6:30 AM PT)
* Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
* TV (Spain): Cuatro, Mediaset Infinity, DAZN
* TV (US): NFL Network
* Live Stream (Spain): Mediaset Infinity, DAZN
* Live Stream (US): NFL Plus, Fubo, Sling TV
