NFL releases 2026 international schedule, Cardinals not featured

One day before the release of its full 2026 schedule, the NFL has announced its full international slate. For the fourth consecutive year, the Arizona Cardinals are not included.

The list of international games is as follows:

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The nine-game international slate is the largest in league history, building off last year’s seven international games. From 2022-24, the league held five games per season on foreign soil.

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Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies

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Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies

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Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies

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Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies

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Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies

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Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies

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Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies

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Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies

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Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies

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Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies

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Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies

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Arizona Cardinals hold press conference for some more rookies

This also marks the first time that the NFL will host games in Australia and in France, with a record-setting seven countries on tap for this year’s schedule. Mexico City, meanwhile, makes its return to the NFL’s schedule after a three-year hiatus.

The Estadio Azteca — which has hosted every NFL game in Mexico City — was out of use during those three seasons as it underwent renovations in preparation for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

In the lead up to the schedule release, there was some thought that the Cardinals could feature in the Mexico City game, as they did in 2022 — their most recent international contest.

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For international games, the designated home team is revealed ahead of time. This year, that meant that the Cardinals were in play for trips to either Paris or Mexico City, given that they play at both New Orleans and San Francisco (the full Melbourne matchup was revealed in February). Mexico City, in particular, seemed like a strong possibility given that the Cardinals are one of 10 franchises with designated marketing rights in Mexico.

That game, though, is now set for a primetime slot on Sunday Night Football. And with the Cardinals projected by sportsbooks to be the worst team in the NFL, the league instead opted for the Vikings as the 49ers’ opponent.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NFL releases 2026 international schedule

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