Every October, American football takes over a corner of North London and West London, and the 2026 edition is already in full swing. Two games have kicked off, one is still to come, and fans from both sides of the Atlantic are filling Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium to watch it happen.
If you are weighing up a trip, or simply want to understand why this series has become the centrepiece of the league’s overseas push, this guide covers the essentials: the current schedule, the newest ticketing rules, a head-to-head look at the two venues, and practical travel advice for anyone crossing the Atlantic.
NFL London 2026: The Latest Updates at a Glance
Here is what has changed or happened most recently.
- The series is live. The opener on 4 October saw the Indianapolis Colts beat the Washington Commanders 30-13 at Tottenham. The Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars followed on 11 October, and the Houston Texans meet the Jaguars at Wembley on 18 October.
- Three games again. London hosts three fixtures for the third straight autumn, as part of a record nine international games this season across Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Madrid, Munich and Mexico City.
- All-in ticket pricing. Starting with the 2026 season, the league shows the total cost of international tickets up front, so there are no surprise fees at checkout.
- Jacksonville doubles up. The Jaguars play back-to-back London games, with one at Tottenham and one at Wembley, which is the team’s 15th and 16th appearance in the city since 2013.
- The Jaguars’ future in London is growing. With their home stadium under renovation, Jacksonville will be displaced in 2027 and may play up to three home games internationally.
NFL London 2026 Schedule and Kickoff Times
All three games start at 2:30 pm British time, which is 9:30 am Eastern and 6:30 am Pacific for American viewers.
| Date | Matchup | Venue | Status |
| Sunday 4 October | Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Played (Colts won 30-13) |
| Sunday 11 October | Philadelphia Eagles vs Jacksonville Jaguars | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Played |
| Sunday 18 October | Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars | Wembley Stadium | Upcoming |
Week 4: Colts vs Commanders
Washington was the designated home side for the opener, and Indianapolis controlled the day. It was the Commanders’ second overseas regular-season trip in as many years, after their game in Madrid last season.
Week 5: Eagles vs Jaguars
This was the fixture many travelling fans had circled. Philadelphia returned to London for the first time since a 24-18 win over Jacksonville at Wembley in 2018, and it was the Eagles’ first visit to Tottenham. Going in, the Jaguars stood at 3-1 and the Eagles at 2-2. Jacksonville arrived off a 13-4 division-winning season, while Philadelphia, the Super Bowl LIX champions, finished 11-6 in 2025 before a wild-card exit.
Week 6: Texans vs Jaguars
The series closes at Wembley on 18 October. This game is run by the Jaguars themselves, which matters for ticketing (more on that below). It will be the third time Jacksonville has played consecutive games in the United Kingdom.
Head-to-Head: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium vs Wembley Stadium
London’s two venues deliver very different afternoons. This side-by-side comparison should help you decide which one suits your style.
| Category | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Wembley Stadium |
| Opened | 2019 | 2007 |
| NFL capacity | 62,000+ | Up to roughly 90,000 |
| Built with the NFL in mind | Yes, including a retractable grass pitch over a synthetic surface | No, adapted for each game |
| Atmosphere | Compact, loud, noise trapped in the bowl | Vast, festival-like, with the famous arch |
| Sightlines | Close to the action from most seats | Superb lower down, distant in the upper tier |
| Food and drink | Strong, modern concourses | Improved, but more traditional |
| Nearest stations | White Hart Lane (Overground), Seven Sisters and Tottenham Hale | Wembley Park (Jubilee, Metropolitan), Wembley Central |
| 2026 games | Colts-Commanders, Eagles-Jaguars | Texans-Jaguars |
| Ticketing route | Official NFL ticket platform | Managed by the Jaguars |
Who Should Pick Tottenham?
Choose Tottenham if comfort, views and a tighter atmosphere matter most. It is the only purpose-built NFL stadium outside the United States, and the layout suits a game that rewards seeing the line of scrimmage clearly. Fans who want better food and shorter walks to their seats usually prefer it.
Who Should Pick Wembley?
Choose Wembley if you want scale and spectacle. Walking down Olympic Way toward the arch with tens of thousands of other fans is an experience on its own. The trade-off is distance from the field in the upper levels, so pay attention to your seat section when you buy.
Verdict: Tottenham wins on design and viewing quality. Wembley wins on size and sense of occasion. For a first trip, many fans enjoy the grandeur of Wembley, while repeat visitors often settle on Tottenham.
How the Three 2026 Games Compare
The experience of each game on the slate varies. Here is how they stack up.
| Factor | Colts vs Commanders | Eagles vs Jaguars | Texans vs Jaguars |
| Venue | Tottenham | Tottenham | Wembley |
| Main draw | Opening weekend energy | Super Bowl champions meet a 13-win team | Division rivals, season-defining AFC South game |
| Travelling fan base | Moderate | Very large (Eagles supporter groups organised trips) | Moderate |
| Ticket source | NFL platform | NFL platform | Jaguars |
| Best for | Fans who want a relaxed first London game | Fans after maximum atmosphere | Fans who want Wembley scale |
How to Buy NFL London Tickets Safely
Buying tickets is the step where most trips go wrong, so slow down here.
Use Official Channels First
To purchase tickets for the games at Tottenham, you need an NFL Ticketmaster account, which you can set up in advance to avoid delays when sales open. Hospitality packages for Tottenham are sold separately through the official route. The Wembley game works differently, because the Jaguars handle sales for that fixture directly, so check the team’s own site rather than assuming the NFL platform will have it.
Thanks to the new all-in pricing, the number you see is the number you pay. Use that to compare options honestly instead of being drawn in by a low headline price that grows at the final screen.
If You Use Resale Platforms
Resale can be legitimate, but you are responsible for protecting yourself:
- Stick to platforms with a published buyer guarantee, and keep all communication and payment inside the platform.
- Avoid bank transfers, payment apps or cash from strangers. If a seller asks for one, walk away.
- Be suspicious of new accounts offering many tickets for a game that sold out.
- Download your tickets to your phone’s wallet or save a PDF. Mobile signal can be patchy in a crowded stadium.
Seat location affects price more than almost anything else, so decide your priority before you start. Lower-bowl seats cost more, upper-level seats are cheaper, and hospitality packages sit at the top of the range. Prices change by matchup and over time, so check the official sites for current figures rather than relying on old numbers.
Travel Planning for NFL London
Entry Requirements Have Changed
American visitors do not need a visa for a short tourist stay, but a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is now required for most visitors from the United States. Apply through the official UK government website well before you fly, as processing times and fees can change.
Flights and Jet Lag
Flights from the US East Coast to London take roughly seven to eight hours, while the West Coast adds several more. London is five hours ahead of Eastern Time, and the game starts at 2:30 pm local time, so the body clock is less punishing than a morning kickoff would be. Still, aim to arrive at least two days ahead. Get outdoor light on your first morning, avoid a long afternoon nap, and stay up until a normal local bedtime.
Where to Stay
You do not need to book beside the stadium. Restaurants, nightlife, and convenient transportation are available in central and east London neighborhoods like King’s Cross, Shoreditch, and Islington. For Tottenham, those areas are a short rail or Underground trip away. For Wembley, the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines make it just as simple from central London. Book early, because rooms fill and prices climb as the games approach.
Getting Around
Contactless payment works on the Underground, buses and Overground, so you can tap in with your bank card or phone instead of buying a separate pass. Check the transport operator’s website before game day for planned engineering works, which are common on weekends and can change your route.
Money Matters
London is largely cashless. A card with low foreign transaction fees will cover almost everything, and it helps to tell your bank about your travel dates. Keep a small amount of pounds for emergencies, but you will rarely need it.
What NFL London Game Day Feels Like
Gates generally open well before kickoff, and the build-up is part of the appeal. The area around each stadium hosts fan zones with music, food and drink stalls, and merchandise. If you are travelling for the first time, an NFL Shop operated at Tottenham from 3 to 11 October, selling official gear, so check for similar pop-up retail around the Wembley game.
Do not expect a traditional American tailgate. Without car parks full of grills, the pregame culture is built around pubs, fan zones and street gatherings. Supporter groups from Philadelphia, Jacksonville and elsewhere organise meetups in advance, and joining one is a great way to meet fans.
Inside the stadium, the mood is more like a European sporting occasion than a typical NFL Sunday. Crowds sing, clap in rhythm and react loudly to a long pass, and the anthems of both countries add a ceremonial feel. Halftime is generally more compact than the lengthy shows American viewers are used to, which gives you time to grab food and get back for the second half.
What to Wear
October in London is mild but unpredictable. Wear layers, bring a light waterproof jacket, and choose comfortable shoes, because the walk from the station can take 15 to 20 minutes.
Watching From Home
American fans can catch the London games early on Sunday mornings on NFL Network, with streaming on NFL+ through mobile devices. Because the games kick off at 9:30 am Eastern, they act as a bonus early window before the main afternoon slate. UK viewers should check their local broadcast and streaming listings, since coverage rights can differ by season.
Where NFL London Goes Next
The league’s overseas plans keep expanding. London remains the most established market, but the rest of the 2026 international slate shows the strategy: games in Australia, Brazil, France, Spain, Germany and Mexico alongside the UK. London’s long-term role is secure, with Tottenham serving as the NFL’s designated home in Britain and Wembley retaining a strong relationship with the Jaguars.
The 2027 season may bring even more activity. With the Jaguars set to play away from their renovated stadium that year, they can schedule up to three home games overseas, and London is the obvious candidate. Keep an eye on the usual spring and early summer announcements for confirmed teams and dates.
Final Thoughts: Is a Trip to NFL London Worth It?
For fans who love the sport, a game in London is one of the most memorable ways to see it. The combination of passionate supporters, two exceptional venues and a sightseeing city outside the gates gives you a weekend that goes well beyond the scoreboard.
If you missed the first two games this year, the closing fixture at Wembley on 18 October is still ahead. Otherwise, start planning now for next season: set up your ticketing account, apply for your travel authorisation early, and book accommodation as soon as dates are confirmed.
