Detroit Lions to Play First International Game in 11 Years

We already know the Detroit Lions’ 2026 opponents, and now the locations for some of those games are being revealed, including one matchup scheduled to be played in Germany.

Detroit Lions 2015 International Game

With so many years of losing seasons, the Detroit Lions didn't get invited to play on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday night games as well as international games. The last time the team played a game in another country was in 2015, when they took on the Kansas City Chiefs at Wembley Stadium.

The Chiefs beat the Lions 45-10 in London, but they have not played out of the country since that game. Detroit began building a better team in the 2022 season with a record of 9-8. In 2023, they won the NFC North and achieved elite status.

In 2023, the Lions began getting Sunday, Monday, and Thursday night games with three on Thursday and the week 1 kickoff game. In 2024, the team was featured in 5 prime-time games on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, with 9 national TV games. In 2025, the team was a part of 12 nationally televised games.

Read More: Detroit’s Schedule Just Got Way Easier

In 2026, the Lions will finally get to play in their first international game in 11 years.

Lions Set for First Overseas Game in Over a Decade

The Lions will be heading to Munich, Germany, to take on the New England Patriots in week 10 on Sunday, November 15. The Lions will have their hands full against the Patriots, who lost to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX 29-13.

The Patriots have been rebuilding their team since the departure of legendary quarterback Tom Brady left to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is now a Fox Sports broadcaster. They finished the regular season 14-3 and look to be one of the toughest opponents for the Lions in 2026.

According to WXYZ-TV, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown’s mother is from Germany, and he shared that it has been a lifelong dream to play a game in his mother’s home country since entering the league.

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St. Brown went on to say, "I cannot wait to play in front of the incredible fans that I've gotten to know through my visits and football camps in the country. Their support for me and the country's instant connection to the Lions brand is inspiring, and I'm looking forward to our team getting showcase Detroit football on an international scale." 

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