Roger Goodell: NFL Aims to Play 'At Least' 7 International Games in 2025 Season

Friday's matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles may be the first NFL game in Brazil, but it won't be the last if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell gets his way.

During an appearance on CNBC (h/t Mark Maske of the Washington Post), Goodell said the NFL's "focus" is on playing "at least seven" international games during the 2025 campaign. While that will include a game in Spain, the United Kingdom and Germany, he also added, "We hope to be back in Mexico. And we certainly intend to be back here in Brazil."

Playing seven or more international games next year would be a step up from the five scheduled for this year.

In addition to Friday's contest, there are three games scheduled in London and one in Munich, Germany, this season.

Here is the full international slate for the 2024 campaign:

• Sept. 6: Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil
• Oct. 6: New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London
• Oct. 13: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London
• Oct. 20: New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Wembley Stadium in London
• Nov. 10: New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers, Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany

Jacksonville has become a regular in the London games, and this year marks the second straight season it will play in the United Kingdom in back-to-back weeks. That allows the Jaguars to minimize travel time with the games.

The AFC South team defeated the Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills in back-to-back contests last season.

The NFL's first game outside of the United States was between the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City in 2005. The league then started its International Series in October 2007 with a game between the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins in London.

Since then, there have been games in the United Kingdom, Mexico and Germany. This year's contest between the Eagles and Packers represents the NFL moving into South America for the first time as it continues to look for ways to grow the game to international audiences.

It doesn't seem like those efforts will be slowing down anytime soon given Goodell's comments, and Friday's game could be something of a test run for future trips to Brazil and beyond.

It could also end up being an important contest in the NFC playoff picture, as both the Packers and Eagles are looking to reach the postseason and challenge for the Lombardi Trophy.