The Detroit Lions will play a regular-season home game in Munich, Germany, during the 2026 NFL season, the league announced Tuesday, February 24, 2026, marking the franchise's return to international play for the first time since 2015 and adding to a record nine-game global schedule.

Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions

The matchup will take place at FC Bayern Munich Stadium (Allianz Arena) as part of a multi-year commitment to host games in Munich in 2026 and 2028. The Lions' opponent, exact date, and kickoff time will be revealed during the full 2026 schedule release later this spring. The game counts as one of Detroit's nine designated home contests, with the NFL designating it as an international fixture.

"We are thrilled to be playing internationally and specifically in Munich for the 2026 season," Lions president and CEO Rod Wood said in a statement. "As an organization, we have invested greatly in the German market and are excited to play in front of our passionate German fans."

The announcement aligns with the NFL's ongoing push to expand its footprint abroad. The 2026 international slate includes games across four continents, seven countries, and eight stadiums — the most ever in a single season. In addition to Munich, the league confirmed contests in Paris (Stade de France), Rio de Janeiro (Maracanã Stadium), and other locations, with details for additional venues forthcoming.

Munich has emerged as a key hub for NFL Europe, having previously hosted games in 2022 and 2024. The multi-year deal with FC Bayern Munich and the City of Munich ensures consistent high-profile matchups, capitalizing on Germany's strong football fanbase — one of the largest outside North America.

For the Lions, the trip represents a milestone in their resurgence under coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. Coming off back-to-back playoff appearances and a strong 2025 campaign, the team enters 2026 with high expectations. The international game offers exposure to a new audience and a unique experience for players and staff.

A personal connection adds intrigue: star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has deep ties to Germany. His mother, Miriam Brown, was born in Cologne, and St. Brown has hosted youth football camps there. He expressed excitement in December 2025 about the possibility of playing in Germany, calling it a "dream" scenario. The Munich game provides a "homecoming" of sorts for the Pro Bowl receiver, whose family heritage and fan following in the country could draw extra attention.

The Lions last played overseas in 2015, facing the Kansas City Chiefs in London as part of a home-away-from-home designation. The 2026 Munich contest marks their first international appearance in over a decade and the franchise's debut in Germany.

NFL Executive Vice President of International Peter O'Reilly highlighted the significance: "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 NFL 2026 season."

The announcement sparked immediate excitement among Lions fans. Social media buzzed with reactions, from travel plans (Lufthansa offers direct flights from Detroit to Munich) to speculation about the opponent. Some pointed to the New York Giants' existing Germany partnership, suggesting a possible matchup, though the schedule remains unconfirmed.

The game fits into the NFL's broader international strategy, which has grown from occasional London exhibitions to a robust calendar featuring multiple sites and teams. Munich's Allianz Arena, with its 75,000 capacity and iconic architecture, provides an ideal venue for a high-energy atmosphere.

As preparations ramp up, the Lions will integrate the trip into their offseason and preseason planning. Players and coaches often describe international games as bonding experiences, with cultural excursions and fan interactions adding to the journey.

The 2026 season promises to be a landmark for the Lions, combining on-field aspirations with global outreach. With Munich on the docket, Detroit's passionate fanbase — already one of the NFL's most dedicated — gains a transatlantic chapter in the team's ongoing revival story.