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NFL prepares for game at Bernabéu as Madrid struggles with local football

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 8, 2026, 10:46 AM

Last updated Nov 8, 2026

NFL prepares for game at Bernabéu as Madrid struggles with local football

Summary

The NFL is set for its second regular-season game in Madrid as the Atlanta Falcons face the Cincinnati Bengals at the Santiago Bernabéu on November 8. An expected crowd of around 80,000 will attend, highlighting the NFL's growing popularity in Spain. In contrast, local football faces challenges, with the Madrid Bravos, the city's professional football team, not playing this year due to restructuring efforts. Despite the spectacle of the NFL event, questions remain about the sustainability of local football in Madrid. The league aims to enhance its presence, planning a significant increase in international games in the coming years.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•NFL game at Bernabéu set for November 8 with Falcons and Bengals.
•Madrid Bravos did not play in 2026, facing operational challenges.
•First Madrid game in 2025 drew 78,610 fans and significant media attention.
•Madrid City Council contributes €1.5 million per NFL game, ensuring future events.
•NFL plans to increase international games as part of its global strategy.

Latest Updates

10:46 AMYahoo Sports — The NFL Is Set To Fill The Bernabéu, But Madrid Has No Team Of Its Own

What they're saying

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As the Atlanta Falcons prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu, local professional football struggles to survive in the capital.
— Yahoo Sports

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