The Cincinnati Bengals are traveling to the Spanish capital for a regular-season NFL game.
The Bengals will be the visiting team on Sunday, Nov. 8 (9:30 a.m. ET) against the Atlanta Falcons when the teams play in Madrid, Spain, the team announced. Cincinnati and Atlanta will play at the famed Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the iconic home of Spanish soccer giant Real Madrid CF, as it played host to the NFL in 2025.
The game in Spain will be the Bengals’ third-ever regular-season international game after playing at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2019 and 2016. The decision to send the Bengals abroad in 2026 also means the team would play overseas in back-to-back seasons as they are confirmed to be the host team for a 2027 international game.
Picture shows a general view of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium with its operable roof closed due to the rainy weather ahead of the Spanish Liga football match between Real Madrid CF and Getafe CF in Madrid on September 2, 2023. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images)
“We are excited to take the Bengals abroad again and build upon the incredible support of our global fanbase and help the league continue to grow the game of football across the world,” Bengals director of strategy and engagement Elizabeth Blackburn said in a press release. “This Madrid game is a special opportunity to showcase the passion, energy and community that define the Bengals’ fandom worldwide.”
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium holds about 84,000 spectators and is home to one of the giants of global soccer in Real Madrid, which owns the most Spanish league titles in history (36) and the most UEFA Champions League titles (15).
“The Bernabéu,” as it’s known in shorthand, underwent a reported $1.9 billion overhaul that was fully unveiled in 2025. The renovations included a 360-degree video scoreboard, a retractable roof and a state-of-the-art underground turf storage system that allowed for the staging of year-round events.
The Madrid game is one of nine NFL international games in 2026, featuring eight stadiums in seven countries. Other host cities include Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Munich and Mexico City.
Ticketing for Bengals-Falcons in Madrid
On Location, a hospitality provider, launched official ticket and travel packages for the NFL Madrid game at the Bernabéu. Their range of ticketing options, which includes premium seating, can be found at:OnLocationExp.com/BengalsSpain.
Bengals' history abroad | Cincinnati has played in Europe before
The Bengals' previous two international games were played at London's Wembley Stadium, another iconic soccer stadium in England’s sprawling capital city.
Cincinnati’s first international game in 2016 was a tie with Washington, 27-27. It was the first international NFL game to end in a tie.
The Bengals returned to Wembley in October 2019 and lost to the Los Angeles Rams, 24-10. Zac Taylor was in his first year as Bengals head coach. Jared Goff was playing quarterback for the Rams. The Bengals dropped to 0-8 on the season with the loss.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The Bengals will play the Falcons in Madrid. Here's what you need to know
