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The NFL has spent decades building its international presence. The league first played outside the United States in 1976. However, the modern International Series began in 2007. Since then, fans have watched memorable games across several countries. London quickly became a regular destination for NFL teams. Mexico City also produced several unforgettable contests. Germany later joined the rotation with an instant classic in Munich. Brazil, Spain, Ireland, and other countries have followed. Some international games stand out because of their importance. Others remain memorable because of dramatic finishes. Here are the nine best NFL international games of all time.
- New Orleans Saints 37, San Diego Chargers 32 — London, 2008
The Saints and Chargers delivered an offensive explosion at Wembley Stadium. New Orleans defeated San Diego 37-32 in the second NFL International Series game. Drew Brees threw three touchdown passes against his former team. Philip Rivers also threw three touchdown passes for the Chargers. The Saints built a 37-20 lead during the fourth quarter. However, San Diego refused to go quietly. The Chargers mounted a furious comeback attempt late. Jonathan Vilma eventually intercepted Rivers to stop the rally. The game produced 69 combined points. It also drew 83,226 fans to Wembley. This game helped erase memories of London’s low-scoring inaugural contest. More importantly, it showed international fans exciting NFL football.
- Oakland Raiders 27, Houston Texans 20 — Mexico City, 2016
The Raiders and Texans made history on Monday Night Football. The matchup marked the first Monday night NFL game outside the United States. Oakland entered Mexico City with a 7-2 record. Houston entered the game at 6-3. The Raiders eventually pulled away for a 27-20 victory. The win pushed Oakland to 8-2 on the season. The victory also marked the Raiders’ first regular-season international win. Mexico City provided a tremendous atmosphere for the AFC matchup. The game helped establish Mexico as an important part of the NFL’s international strategy.
- Los Angeles Chargers 20, Tennessee Titans 19 — London, 2018
This game featured one of the best finishes in London history. The Chargers escaped the Titans 20-19 at Wembley Stadium. The final sequence created plenty of tension. Tennessee scored a touchdown with only 35 seconds remaining. That score gave the Titans a chance to steal the game. However, Marcus Mariota’s two-point attempt failed. Adrian Phillips tipped the pass away before Tennessee could complete it. Philip Rivers threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdown passes traveled at least 30 yards. The Chargers improved to 5-2 with the victory. Meanwhile, London fans watched a game decided on the final meaningful play.
- Kansas City Chiefs 24, Los Angeles Chargers 17 — Mexico City, 2019
Patrick Mahomes did not need a spectacular performance to win this one. Instead, Kansas City’s defense delivered the difference. The Chiefs defeated the Chargers 24-17 at Estadio Azteca. The game drew 76,252 fans to the famous Mexico City venue. Mahomes threw for only 182 yards. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s defense intercepted Philip Rivers four times. Daniel Sorensen recorded the final interception. His pick stopped Los Angeles’ final attempt to tie the game. Travis Kelce also played a major role. He caught seven passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. The game showed another side of the Chiefs. Their defense carried them when Mahomes struggled by his standards.
- Jacksonville Jaguars 23, Miami Dolphins 20 — London, 2021
Few international games carried more emotional weight. The Jaguars entered Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a 0-5 record. They had also lost 20 consecutive games. Trevor Lawrence and Urban Meyer desperately needed a victory. They finally got one in dramatic fashion. Jacksonville rallied from a double-digit deficit. Matthew Wright eventually kicked a 53-yard field goal on the final play. The kick gave Jacksonville a 23-20 victory. It also ended the Jaguars’ 20-game losing streak. Lawrence earned his first NFL victory in the process. Meyer also earned his first victory as an NFL head coach. The game remains one of the most important wins in Jaguars history.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21, Seattle Seahawks 16 — Munich, 2022
The NFL finally brought regular-season football to Germany in 2022. The Buccaneers faced the Seahawks at Allianz Arena in Munich. Tampa Bay eventually won 21-16. The victory made Tampa Bay the first team to win an NFL regular-season game in Germany. Tom Brady also delivered another memorable international performance. The game featured 69,811 fans inside Allianz Arena. The Seahawks rallied after falling behind early. However, Tampa Bay’s defense made enough plays to preserve the victory. The atmosphere also made this game special. German fans created an incredible environment for the NFL’s historic debut. The NFL later reported record viewership numbers for the German market.
- Minnesota Vikings 28, New Orleans Saints 25 — London, 2022
This matchup might have produced the best finish in London history. The Vikings defeated the Saints 28-25 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Both teams battled throughout an entertaining afternoon. Greg Joseph delivered the decisive kick. He drilled a 47-yard field goal with only 24 seconds remaining. The Saints still had one final opportunity. Wil Lutz attempted a 61-yard field goal as time expired. His kick had enough distance, but it struck the left upright. The ball then hit the crossbar before falling away. That unusual finish gave the Vikings the victory. BBC Sport called it arguably the most entertaining NFL game played in London at that point.
- Jacksonville Jaguars 34, Buffalo Bills 31 — London, 2015
This game had almost everything an international NFL fan could want. The Jaguars jumped ahead 27-3 during the second quarter. Buffalo then mounted an incredible comeback. The Bills eventually grabbed a 31-27 lead in the fourth quarter. Jacksonville needed another big play to regain control. Blake Bortles delivered. He found Allen Hurns for a 31-yard touchdown with 2:16 remaining. That touchdown gave Jacksonville a 34-31 lead. The Jaguars then stopped Buffalo’s final possession. They sealed the victory with a defensive play on fourth down. The game drew 84,021 fans to Wembley. It also featured multiple turnovers and several fourth-quarter lead changes. That combination makes it one of the greatest international games ever played.
- New York Giants 13, Miami Dolphins 10 — London, 2007
The first one still deserves the top spot. The Giants and Dolphins made history at Wembley Stadium on October 28, 2007. The matchup marked the first official NFL International Series game. New York won 13-10. The game did not produce an offensive explosion. Instead, its importance made it unforgettable. The Giants rushed for 189 yards. Eli Manning also scored a rushing touchdown on a 10-yard run. The victory moved New York to 6-2 heading into its Week 9 bye. More importantly, the NFL successfully staged a regular-season game outside North America. That moment helped launch the international program that continues today. The league has since expanded to cities across Europe, North America, and South America. As the NFL continues its global expansion, that first Wembley game remains the foundation. The Giants and Dolphins did not know it at the time. However, they helped change the future of the NFL.
The NFL’s International Future
The NFL’s international journey has come a long way since 2007. London became a regular destination for NFL football. Mexico City delivered memorable games and enormous crowds. Germany then joined the International Series. Brazil, Spain, Ireland, and other markets have followed. The league continues expanding its international footprint. Heading into 2026, 62 regular-season games have taken place outside the United States. The 2026 season adds Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, and Paris to the list. Still, the original games remain special. They introduced international fans to meaningful regular-season NFL football. They also created memories that players and fans still discuss today. For that reason, these nine games represent some of the best moments in NFL international history. And with the league continuing to expand worldwide, this list probably will not stay the same forever.
The popularity of these games has forced the hand of the NFL to probably have an international team.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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