The NFL will return to Dublin in 2026 after over 73,000 fans packed Croke Park for Ireland’s first regular-season game. The Steelers and Vikings will meet again on 28 September as Irish interest in American football continues to surge.
The NFL has officially confirmed it will return to Dublin in 2026, following the success of its first-ever regular-season game in Ireland earlier this autumn.
Croke Park, better known for hosting GAA finals, proved a more-than-capable stage for American football as over 73,000 fans packed into the stadium on 28 September 2025 to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Minnesota Vikings.
A strong debut – and now a sequel
What was once a bold experiment now has a sequel on the books. After months of speculation, the NFL has announced that the Steelers and Vikings will face off again at Croke Park on 28 September 2026. The atmosphere in 2025 was electric, with a mix of travelling American fans and curious locals, many of whom were witnessing the sport live for the first time.
The 2025 game wasn’t just a sell-out—it was a statement. American football has an audience in Ireland, and it’s bigger than many expected. Roughly 30,000 attendees travelled from outside the country, and hotels across Dublin were booked solid. The city showed it could handle the logistics, and the hype.
The NFL’s growing popularity across Europe can clearly be seen through betting patterns. Online betting sites like NetBet Sport and Paddy Power have been adding more NFL markets and promotions, which gives an indication that bookies see strong growth potential for the sport in Europe. Sportsbooks cater to their audience, so it’s not an overreach to think that American football now sits comfortably among more familiar sports like football, rugby, and GAA for both bettors and casual spectators alike.
Why Pittsburgh makes sense in Dublin – a perfect setting for American Football
It’s no coincidence the Steelers were chosen to headline the first NFL game in Ireland. The Rooney family, who own the team, have deep roots here. Dan Rooney, former US ambassador to Ireland, is still fondly remembered in political and sporting circles. His son, Art Rooney II, called the Dublin game “a homecoming of sorts” for the franchise.
The Minnesota Vikings, meanwhile, were ideal opponents. Their strong track record in international games continued in Dublin, where they added another win to their unbeaten streak outside the US. They’ll be back again in 2026—this time with even more local fans in their corner.
Dublin in NFL’s growing world tour – a major part of the world tour
The 2025 Dublin game was one of seven international fixtures staged this year by the NFL, part of a global strategy that also included games in London, Berlin, Madrid, and São Paulo. For 2026, Melbourne will join the rotation, hosting its first-ever NFL regular-season match in what’s shaping up to be the most global season in league history.
While Croke Park previously hosted a pre-season exhibition back in 1997, the shift to full regular-season games puts Ireland in a different category. The event wasn’t a one-off. It’s part of a long-term strategy to build a following in countries where the game is still growing.
Planning ahead for 2026 – tickets, travel and the crowd
Exact ticket prices for 2026 haven’t been released yet, but organisers say they’ll follow the same model as 2025. That likely means seats ranging from around €75 for upper tiers to €600 or more for sideline premium spots. Packages that include hospitality or early access are also expected to return.
For those travelling to Dublin next year, it’s worth booking early. The 2025 weekend saw hotel prices soar, especially in areas like Temple Bar, Ballsbridge, and the Docklands. Dublin’s Luas and DART networks made getting to Croke Park easy enough, but public transport was stretched at peak times. Those planning to attend in 2026 would do well to sort accommodation and travel well in advance.
From schools to the Pro Bowlm – the rise of American football in Ireland
While the main focus is understandably on Croke Park, American football is starting to take hold in schools and communities around Ireland. The NFL Flag programme, launched in Irish schools a few years ago, now has real traction.
In 2024, the first national flag football championships were held in Dublin, and the winning team even travelled to the Pro Bowl Games in the US to represent Ireland. This kind of visibility and opportunity is making the sport more attractive to younger players, and the timing couldn’t be better.
Dublin delivered – and earns a place on the NFL map
There was plenty of scepticism when the idea of an NFL regular-season game in Dublin was first floated. But the 2025 event proved the city could not only handle it, but thrive on it. Local fans showed up in huge numbers, bars and restaurants leaned into the weekend with themed menus and events, and international coverage gave Dublin a starring role.
The return in 2026 confirms what most people already suspected as they left Croke Park this past September: this wasn’t a one-time thing. The NFL is now part of Ireland’s sporting calendar, and with another game locked in for next year, the relationship between Irish fans and American football looks set to grow stronger.
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