NFL debuts in Spain with Dolphins x Commanders at the renovated Santiago Bernabéu this Sunday Por Carolina Costa
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The Santiago Bernabéu, in Madrid, hosts the first official NFL game in Spain this Sunday (16). Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders face each other at 11:30 am (Brasília time), for week 11 of the 2025-2026 regular season. The match marks the international expansion of the American league, which already plays games in London and Germany.
The Real Madrid stadium underwent complete adaptations to host American football. The retractable turf was removed and replaced with a synthetic field with official NFL markings. The end zones display the names and colors of the two teams.
The transformation included detailed painting of the yard lines and installation of specific structures. The venue also gained external decoration with giant images of the players and life-size uniforms at the main entrance.
Complete stadium adaptation
The lawn received special paint to demarcate the 100 regulatory yards. Scoring areas at the ends highlight “Dolphins” on one side and “Commanders” on the other.
The retractable cover remained closed to ensure ideal playing conditions. The sound and lighting system was also adjusted according to NFL requirements.
Enhanced security measures
The league determined specific rules for access to the stadium. Only transparent bags with maximum measurements of 30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm are permitted.
Alcoholic drinks are prohibited upon entry, although internal sales are permitted. A security perimeter has been set up around the entire complex.
Private security teams and local police work together. Metal detectors and personal searches complete the adopted protocol.
Audience and broadcast expectations
Around 80,000 fans are expected to fill the Santiago Bernabéu. Tickets sold out weeks before the official announcement of the match.
The match will be broadcast live in more than 100 countries. In Brazil, ESPN channels and the Star+ platform show the full game.
History of international expansion
The NFL has held games outside the United States since 2007. Londres has already hosted 36 matches so far this season.
Germany entered the circuit in 2022, with four games held in three different cities. Spain becomes the fifth European country to host official league duels.
Mexico and Canada have also hosted regular matches. The strategy aims to increase the competition’s global fan base and revenue.
Details of this Sunday’s clash
Miami Dolphins arrive with a record of five wins and four losses. The team seeks to consolidate its position in the American Conference playoffs.
Washington Commanders have four wins and five losses so far. The team is betting on the strength of its attack to surprise away from home.
The winner gains an important advantage in the highly contested NFC East division.
Removable temporary structure
All changes made to the Bernabéu are temporary. The original football pitch will be reinstalled in less than 72 hours after the end of the game.
Real Madrid returns to the stadium next Wednesday for a Champions League match. The quick change operation was tested during modernization works completed in 2024.
