The Chicago Bears know who they will be playing next season, and now there might be clarity for one of those matchups.
The NFL announced that another game will be played in Madrid in 2026 as part of a multi-year partnership. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also announced that nine regular-season games will be played abroad.
That’s significant because the Bears are one of three teams with marketing rights in Spain. The Miami Dolphins and Kansas Chiefs are the other two franchises joining Chicago.
Chicago Bears could be taking a trip overseas in 2026
Last season, the Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders, 16-13, in overtime at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for the first-ever regular-season game in Spain. Miami was considered the home team in that matchup.
With the Bears being the only NFC team between the Dolphins and Chiefs, and the Dolphins hosting an international game in Spain last season, Chicago could be in line to play in Madrid.
The Bears also have nine home games scheduled for the 2026 season and will play the following teams.
- Detroit Lions
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- New York Jets
- New England Patriots
- New Orleans Saints
Considering the Bears do have one extra home game, this could be another indication that the Bears will have one of those matchups potentially be in Madrid. The Bears also will face the Dolphins on the road next season, which could be another way to connect the dots on who the opponent could be.
Nothing has been set yet, but the Bears were part of some of the biggest games in the 2025 season, so introducing them to an international audience could be a win-win for everyone involved.
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Of course, some Bears fans may disagree, since a home game would be taken away, but the Bears gaining even more international recognition is a positive for the organization.