World Cup frenzy highlights NFL's challenges in globalization efforts
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 1:25 PM
Last updated Jun 21, 2026
The ongoing World Cup excitement in the U.S. illustrates the vast difference between soccer's global reach and the NFL's current international presence. The NFL aims to increase its global following, yet faces significant barriers in achieving a comparable scale to soccer. Flag football is discussed as a potential avenue to grow interest in American football abroad. The NFL's commitment to expanding its audience has been part of a long-term strategy since it began playing regular-season games in London nearly two decades ago. The journey to global relevance for American football remains extensive, with future efforts necessary to engage more countries.
- •World Cup excitement underscores the NFL's globalization challenges.
- •Soccer's global phenomenon presents a stark contrast to the NFL.
- •Flag football could stimulate interest in American football overseas.
- •NFL’s efforts date back nearly two decades with London games.
- •Closing the global gap with soccer will take decades, if not longer.
- 1:25 PMYahoo Sports — World Cup frenzy shows why NFL is globalizing — and how much more work needs to be done
"Football has a very long way to go to catch soccer as an international phenomenon.
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