The Chicago Bears could very well be in line to play internationally for the 2026 season, but the question is, will they get picked?
There are a few options for the Bears to be the home or road team in an international game, but one is standing out as the most likely. CBS Sports writer John Breech shared his prediction for international games in 2026, naming the Bears as one of the top two candidates to play the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid.
"Three teams -- the Dolphins, Chiefs and Bears -- currently have marketing rights in Spain. The Dolphins went to Madrid last year for the NFL's first-ever game in Spain, and this year, it would be logical for the NFL to send one of the other teams with marketing rights. Fortunately for the league, Atlanta plays both the Chiefs and Bears at home this year, so it seems highly likely that one of those two teams will be sent to Madrid with the Falcons."
Will the Bears actually play the Falcons in Madrid in 2026?
It wouldn't be the first time the Bears have played internationally as part of the NFL international series. They have been selected to do it three times, going 2-1 in that span.
Chicago's two wins were against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011 and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024. The Bears lost to the Oakland Raiders in 2019.
The interesting part is that the Bears have played all three games in the United Kingdom. If they were picked for Madrid, it would be the first time they have ever played outside the UK as part of the series.
Read more: Bears just made a stunning (and difficult) decision on 2025 draft pick
Bears fans would be perfectly fine with a road game in Madrid as a cool change of pace, as long as they don't have to host a home game internationally.
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