The National Football League is set to make history in 2025 by hosting its first-ever regular season game in Dublin, Ireland.
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) celebrates with wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) and running back Jaylen Warren (30) after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
As part of the league’s ongoing international expansion, the game will take place at Croke Park, Ireland’s largest sporting venue and the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).
This milestone event is made possible through partnerships with the Government of Ireland and Dublin City Council.
Pittsburgh Steelers Set to Play in Historic Game
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been designated as the team for this historic matchup. The Steelers share a deep connection with Ireland, as team president Art Rooney II’s family hails from Newry, County Down. Additionally, the late Dan M. Rooney, Art Rooney’s father, served as the U.S. ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012 and co-founded the Ireland Funds charity.
This is not the Steelers’ first visit to Ireland. They previously played a preseason game at Croke Park in 1997 against the Chicago Bears as part of the American Bowl series. However, the 2025 game will mark the first time an official NFL regular-season contest is played on Irish soil.
Croke Park: A Fitting Venue for a Landmark Event
Croke Park has a rich history of hosting major sporting and entertainment events. The stadium is best known for its Gaelic football and hurling finals, but it has also hosted international events, including a college football game between Notre Dame and Navy in 1996. Additionally, music superstars such as U2, Bruce Springsteen, and Taylor Swift have performed at the venue.
GAA President Jarlath Burns expressed his excitement about the game, emphasizing the shared passion for sports between Ireland and the U.S. “Croke Park is a proud symbol of Ireland’s sporting heritage, and hosting one of the world’s best sporting organizations is a momentous occasion for the entire country.”
NFL’s Commitment to Growing the Game in Ireland
Beyond the game itself, the NFL continues to engage with Irish fans through various programs. The league’s Global Market Program (GMP) has designated Ireland as a target market for three teams: the Steelers, the New York Jets, and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Additionally, the NFL’s youth flag football initiative launched in Ireland in 2024, with Dublin’s Green Lanes School winning the first-ever NFL Flag National Championship and representing Ireland at the NFL Pro Bowl Games.
NFL’s Expanding International Presence
Dublin is just one of several international destinations set to host NFL games in 2025. The league will also stage regular season games in London, Berlin, and Madrid, featuring teams such as the Jets, Browns, Colts, and Dolphins. Looking further ahead, the NFL has already announced plans to play a game in Melbourne, Australia, in 2026.
As the NFL continues to globalize its brand, the 2025 Dublin game will be a landmark event that strengthens the league’s ties with Irish fans while showcasing American football on one of Ireland’s grandest sporting stages. Fans eagerly await the official schedule announcement this spring, which will confirm the Steelers’ opponent and game date.
Photo Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB. If there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.
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