Steelers to make history with first-ever NFL game in Ireland
Pranjal Chandra | THE TIMES OF INDIA NEWS SERVICE | Feb 07, 2025, 22:35 IST
( Image credit : AP )
The NFL announces its first American football game in Ireland at Dublin's Croke Park featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 2025 matchup highlights the league's international expansion, including future games in Spain and Australia. With the Steelers' strong Irish ties, the event aims to boost the NFL's global fan base and market reach.
The National Football League (NFL) is bringing American football to Ireland for the first time, marking another milestone in the league’s ongoing global expansion. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been selected to participate in the historic event, which will take place at Dublin’s Croke Park. While the official date and their opponent have yet to be announced, the game is set to be one of the most anticipated international matchups of the 2025 NFL season.
Ireland now joins an exclusive list of European nations that have hosted regular-season NFL games, alongside the United Kingdom, Germany, and the newest addition, Spain. The NFL has been aggressively pursuing international expansion, aiming to increase its global fan base and market reach. The move to Dublin aligns with the league’s broader strategy, which also includes upcoming games in Madrid and Berlin.
Outside of Europe, the NFL has set its sights on Australia as well. The league recently announced that the Los Angeles Rams will host a regular-season game in Melbourne in 2026, further solidifying its global presence. Commissioner Roger Goodell has expressed his desire for the NFL to host as many as 16 international games per season in the near future, underscoring the league’s commitment to growing the sport beyond North America.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were a natural choice to be the first NFL team to play in Ireland. The franchise has deep-rooted ties to the country, including a long-standing partnership with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), which operates Croke Park, the venue for the upcoming game. Additionally, Steelers owner Art Rooney II has strong Irish heritage, further strengthening the team’s connection to the Emerald Isle.
The Steelers, who finished the 2024 season with a 10-7 record and a playoff appearance, have a passionate and widespread fan base, making them a compelling team to showcase in this historic matchup. Their presence in Dublin will not only energize Irish fans but also attract Steelers supporters from around the world.
International NFL games have proven to be successful in boosting the league’s popularity in new markets. London has been a consistent host since 2007 and will feature three games in the upcoming season: two at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets as home teams, and one at Wembley Stadium with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Meanwhile, Berlin will welcome the Indianapolis Colts to Olympic Stadium, and Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium will host the Miami Dolphins.
With Ireland’s addition to the international circuit, the NFL is tapping into a country with a strong sporting culture and a growing interest in American football. Croke Park, known for hosting major Gaelic football and hurling events, provides a historic backdrop for this groundbreaking event.
As the NFL continues to break new ground, the Steelers’ historic game in Dublin represents more than just a football matchup—it’s a statement about the sport’s increasing global appeal. With more international games on the horizon, the league’s footprint beyond the U.S. is only set to grow, bringing American football to new audiences worldwide.
NFL expands international reach
Outside of Europe, the NFL has set its sights on Australia as well. The league recently announced that the Los Angeles Rams will host a regular-season game in Melbourne in 2026, further solidifying its global presence. Commissioner Roger Goodell has expressed his desire for the NFL to host as many as 16 international games per season in the near future, underscoring the league’s commitment to growing the sport beyond North America.
Why the Steelers?
The Steelers, who finished the 2024 season with a 10-7 record and a playoff appearance, have a passionate and widespread fan base, making them a compelling team to showcase in this historic matchup. Their presence in Dublin will not only energize Irish fans but also attract Steelers supporters from around the world.
NFL's growing popularity overseas
With Ireland’s addition to the international circuit, the NFL is tapping into a country with a strong sporting culture and a growing interest in American football. Croke Park, known for hosting major Gaelic football and hurling events, provides a historic backdrop for this groundbreaking event.
As the NFL continues to break new ground, the Steelers’ historic game in Dublin represents more than just a football matchup—it’s a statement about the sport’s increasing global appeal. With more international games on the horizon, the league’s footprint beyond the U.S. is only set to grow, bringing American football to new audiences worldwide.