European fans of North American football, get ready. The Madden NFL 26 International Challenge is coming to Madrid in November!
EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL, in partnership with the National Football League (NFL), is bringing the excitement of North American football to fans worldwide, marking a major milestone in the sport’s ongoing global expansion with its debut in Madrid, Spain.
In turn, fans will enjoy an unforgettable experience that not only celebrates the competitive spirit but also embraces the rich culture and international community that make the game truly special.
Madden NFL 26 International: Madrid Challenge
This premier esports competition will culminate in an in-person finale on Nov. 15, 2025, the day before the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins take the field for the 2025 NFL Madrid Game. The event aims to engage a global audience, offering a unique experience that connects football enthusiasts from around the world. It also forms part of a broader strategy to expand the NFL’s presence across key European markets.
“Playing on an international stage, even being there is insane,” said Jonathan "Jonbeast" Marquez. The player competed in the Madden NFL 25 Championship Series Madden Bowl event in London. “But being on the stage in a great venue, with great energy from everyone, was amazing. It’s motivated me now that I’ve seen what it’s like to play football esports outside of America.”
The event will take place at the Real Madrid Club Shop, housed within the second-largest sports venue in Spain, the Bernabéu. If you can't join personally, don't worry! Fans at home will be able to tune into the broadcast on the official Madden NFL Twitch and YouTube channels.
Qualification process
Competitors have two paths to qualify, one via PlayStation Tournaments and one via ChallengerMode, for the chance to compete on the international stage and win a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Madrid. Eligible Madden NFL 26 players residing in Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom will have the opportunity to compete in a $10,000 virtual, regional tournament, hosted by Sony via PlayStation Tournaments on Oct. 6-16.
Alternatively, eligible competitors from the United States, Canada, and Mexico can face off for a $50,000 qualifier hosted on the ChallengerMode platform. Both qualifiers offer not only prize money, but also a one-of-a-kind trip to compete in the live championship and witness the 2025 NFL Madrid Game firsthand.
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