Goodell says NFL is eyeing additional international venues, including Japan, as league targets more global games

The NFL’s push for a larger global footprint is moving from a one-off initiative to a sustained scheduling strategy, with Commissioner Roger Goodell pointing to Japan and other countries as possible next stops. Speaking in connection with the league’s international footprint, Goodell said the NFL has roughly “about 10” countries on its radar, a framing that suggests the league intends to keep expanding its market-building beyond the current round of international games.

The league’s international plans already include a high volume of overseas contests. According to CBS Sports’ reporting, the NFL will play 10 international games in 2027, building on a 2026 slate that features nine international games across seven countries and four continents. That scope, presented as record-setting in the reporting, indicates the league is treating global expansion as an annual calendar feature rather than an occasional experiment.

While the NFL has used its international slate to broaden awareness, the logistical reality of sustaining it is significant. Hosting games across multiple continents requires long-term coordination across broadcasting, stadium partners, travel windows, and local operations, all while maintaining the integrity of the domestic schedule. The “about 10 countries” comment reads less like a one-game idea and more like an ongoing pipeline of potential locations the league can tap depending on venue availability and scheduling needs.

Japan, specifically, remains part of the league’s visible international conversation. CBS Sports’ story centers on Goodell’s interest in an NFL game in Japan, reflecting that the league is looking for additional locations that can support major events while matching the NFL’s brand standards for kickoff presentation and production scale.

Even with the NFL’s intent clear, exact details on future site selection typically depend on final contracting and confirmed venue readiness. As of the information available in the reporting, the “about 10 countries” remark establishes a direction but does not name every target, nor does it specify which country would host particular years beyond the general 2027 and 2026 outlines.

For fans and teams, the bigger impact is seasonal. More international games mean more weeks with teams adjusting to travel, time-zone differences, and preparation routines that differ from standard domestic travel. That can also affect how coaching staffs manage practice structure and recovery, especially as international games become a repeating element of the league’s schedule rather than a novelty.

Looking ahead, the key question is how the NFL sequences those future overseas matchups across the next few seasons. If the league truly is evaluating “about 10” countries, expect a gradual unveiling of venues and dates tied to international partners, with Japan remaining a prominent candidate as the NFL builds toward its 10-game 2027 international target.

The NFL’s global ambitions are therefore not just about adding games, they are about creating a longer-running platform. The league’s reported plan suggests the international slate will keep growing in frequency, and with it, the set of markets where the NFL expects to be a recurring sports entertainment draw.