Detroit Lions Heading to Germany for 2026 NFL Game

If you've been riding the rollercoaster that is being a Detroit Lions fan, you know one thing for sure: this team has officially become must-watch football.

The Lions are still America's Team when it comes to Thanksgiving. Ford Field on Thanksgiving Day just feels right to us Michiganders. It is tradition. It is loud. It's Honolulu blue everywhere.

But the NFL has been pushing hard into international games over the last several years, sending teams to places like London, Germany, and even Mexico to grow the game globally.

When Will the Lions Play in Germany?

The Detroit Lions are taking their roar overseas again. After years as America's Thanksgiving Team, Lions football is going global. They are set to make history by playing a 2026 regular season game in Munich, Germany, as part of the NFL International Series.

The game will be at FC Bayern Munich Stadium, and while the opponent, kickoff time, and exact date haven't been announced yet, this is already a big moment for the franchise.

This is the first international game since 2015 for the Detroit Lions.

Detroit’s History Playing Overseas

So that naturally brings up the question: Have the Detroit Lions ever played anywhere outside of the United States?

Yes, but not very often.

The Lions have played regular season games in London as part of the NFL’s International Series. Back in 2014, they faced the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium.

The Lions’ Previous International Games

Then in 2015, they returned to London to play the Kansas City Chiefs again at Wembley. Both games were part of the league's effort to expand its international footprint and build a fan base overseas.

They've also participated in preseason action outside of the U.S. over the years, including games in Canada during the old American Bowl Series.

But outside of those few appearances, Detroit has largely stayed stateside. Unlike teams that seem to be London regulars, the Lions haven't been frequent international travelers.