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Roger Goodell Teases Surprise Asian Country As Next Host Of NFL Game — Says He Has A List Of 10 Places

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Roger Goodell at Super Bowl 61.
Roger Goodell. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently spoke with Sportico about global growth. He confirmed strong interest in staging games in Japan. Goodell also mentioned roughly 10 other countries he would like to see host NFL contests. The comments highlight the league’s aggressive push beyond North America.

Japan previously hosted multiple preseason American Bowl games. The last one took place in 2005 at Tokyo Dome. A return would mark a major step for regular-season play in Asia. Fans in the region already show solid knowledge of the game.

The league currently plans a record nine international games in 2026. Those contests span Europe, Australia, South America, and Mexico. Owners recently approved a path toward 10 international games starting in 2027.

NFL Interest in Japan Games

Oct 5, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) walks off the field after their win against the Cleveland Browns in an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Goodell described Japan as a priority market with existing fan interest. He noted the league remains committed to Asia overall. Scheduling challenges exist, yet the commissioner views the country as viable. Officials continue evaluating logistics such as travel and venues.

“We did have a game in Tokyo,” the commissioner said, “but it was a preseason game, so we want to do a regular-season game now.”

Past preseason success in Tokyo proved the market can support football events. A regular-season game would expose more Japanese fans to live NFL action. The league aims to build lasting relationships rather than one-off appearances.

NFL Global Expansion Strategy

Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; The 2024 NFL London Games, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears logo on the facade at an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The NFL wants to become a true global sport in the coming years. Goodell has repeatedly stated a long-term goal of 16 international games per season. Achieving that number would likely require an 18-game regular season. Current collective bargaining limits sit at 10 games outside the United States.

Teams now volunteer more readily for overseas assignments. The league prioritizes markets that demonstrate strong fan demand and growth potential. Asia ranks high on the list after recent success in new territories.

2026 will break a new record. The season will start with the Los Angeles Rams taking on the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. More than that, there willb e hree games in London and dates in Paris, Munich, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro and Madrid.

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