Chicago Bears won't play international game in 2026

The NFL announced a return to Madrid in 2026, as part of a multi-year partnership with Spain, and many thought the Chicago Bears would be tabbed for an international game this season against the Atlanta Falcons, as Chicago faces them on the road. But the league announced on Tuesday that the Falcons will host the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid during Week 9 on Sunday, Nov. 8, which means Chicago dodged an international game for the second straight season.

Now, the Bears will play the Falcons in Atlanta this season. The Bears are one of three teams that have marketing rights in Spain (along with the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins ). While Chicago avoided an international game this year, it certainly feels like the Bears will be hosting a game in Madrid in the next couple of seasons.

The Bears last played an international game back in 2024, where then-rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led Chicago to a dominant 35-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars . It was the final win before the Bears went on a 10-game losing streak that led to the firing of former head coach Matt Eberflus. When is Chicago Bears ' schedule released?

The Bears' 2026 schedule will be released on Thursday, May 14. Chicago Bears opponents 2026 Here is who the Bears will play in the 2026 season: HOME : Detroit Lions , Green Bay Packers , Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings , New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints , New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles , Tampa Bay Buccaneers AWAY : Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills , Carolina Panthers , Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks Follow Bears Wire on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears 2026 schedule: Chicago won't play international game