The Washington Commanders are heading back to the international stage. On Tuesday, the NFL announced that the Miami Dolphins will host the Commanders on November 16 at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, marking the first ever NFL game in Spain.
This highly anticipated tilt is part of the NFL’s 2025 international series, which includes seven games across multiple countries. Matchups will take place in key international markets, including London, Germany, Brazil, and—for the first time—Spain, with the Miami Dolphins hosting the Washington Commanders in Madrid.
First Ever NFL Game in Spain: Gaining Momentum
The Commanders’ upcoming appearance in Madrid will be their first overseas game since 2016, when they played the Cincinnati Bengals to a 27-27 tie at London’s Wembley Stadium. That game remains the only tie in NFL international series history. Washington also played in Toronto in 2011, where they were shut out 23-0 by the Buffalo Bills at Rogers Centre.
Washington’s return to international play reflects the team’s renewed momentum under new ownership. Since Josh Harris and his partners acquired the franchise for $6.05 billion, the Commanders have seen a remarkable turnaround.
Following their recent NFC Championship Game appearance and the rise of NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, the franchise has gained fresh attention both on and off the field. This includes a recently announced $3.7 billion stadium deal in partnership with Washington, D.C., aiming to redevelop the historic RFK Stadium site.
Adding to the franchise’s growing national footprint, Harris also joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office to confirm that Washington, D.C. will host the 2027 NFL Draft, further solidifying the Commanders’ presence on the league’s biggest stages.