The NFL is taking another bold step in its international expansion in 2025, with the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts squaring off in Week 10 — but not in Indianapolis as initially scheduled. Instead, this highly anticipated matchup will unfold on foreign soil as part of the league’s International Series, bringing professional American football to one of Europe’s most iconic venues.
This game will be played at the legendary Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany, marking the first time the stadium will host an NFL event. It is also the only NFL game scheduled in Germany this year, and it stands as a centerpiece of the league’s most ambitious international season yet, with seven total games outside of the United States — the highest ever in a single season.
Berlin Takes Center Stage
The Falcons-Colts showdown will be held on November 9, 2025, in Berlin’s Westend district. The Olympiastadion, also known as the Berlin Olympic Stadium, is steeped in history and grandeur. With a seating capacity of 74,475, it is Germany’s largest stadium for international football competitions and is recognized by UEFA as a Category Four Stadium, qualifying it for top-tier events such as the Champions League final.
Originally constructed between 1934 and 1936 for the 1936 Summer Olympics, the venue has since become a multi-purpose icon. It underwent significant reconfigurations in 1974 and then a massive renovation between 2000 and 2004, ensuring it could host global sporting events well into the future. Those upgrades paid off: the stadium has welcomed nine FIFA World Cup matches, the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and hosted the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final. More recently, it staged six games during UEFA Euro 2024.
Now, in 2025, it turns a new page in history by adding NFL football to its list of world-class sporting events.
Home of Hertha BSC
The Olympiastadion is the home ground of Hertha BSC, one of Berlin’s most storied football (soccer) clubs, founded back in 1892. While the club currently plays in 2. Bundesliga after relegation in 2023, the venue itself continues to draw attention on the world stage due to its significance and scale.
Hosting the Falcons and Colts game adds another layer of prestige to the venue and underscores the NFL’s intent to bring American football to passionate European audiences.
NFL in Germany: A Growing Tradition
Germany has quickly become a cornerstone of the NFL’s global outreach. Since 2022, the league has staged games in Munich and Frankfurt, with roaring success. Berlin now joins the ranks, expanding the NFL’s footprint across Germany.
Here’s a colorful look at the history of NFL games in Germany so far:
| Date | Matchup | Result | Stadium & City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 13, 2022 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Seattle Seahawks | Buccaneers 21, Seahawks 16 | Allianz Arena, Munich |
| Nov. 5, 2023 | Kansas City Chiefs vs. Miami Dolphins | Chiefs 21, Dolphins 14 | Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt |
| Nov. 12, 2023 | Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots | Colts 10, Patriots 6 | Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt |
| Nov. 10, 2024 | Carolina Panthers vs. New York Giants | Panthers 20, Giants 17 (OT) | Allianz Arena, Munich |
| Nov. 9, 2025 | Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts | TBD | Olympiastadion, Berlin |
The Falcons-Colts clash will be the fifth NFL game in Germany overall and the first ever in Berlin.
Why Germany?
The NFL’s expansion into Germany makes perfect sense. The country boasts one of the largest fan bases for American football outside of the U.S., fueled by the popularity of the old NFL Europe league, which ran until 2007. Teams like the Frankfurt Galaxy and Berlin Thunder built strong followings that remain loyal to the sport today.
Ticket demand has also been enormous. Games in Munich and Frankfurt have sold out within minutes, and the Berlin matchup is expected to draw similar — if not greater — levels of enthusiasm. For the NFL, this is not just about one game; it’s about cultivating a long-term relationship with German fans and strengthening its global brand.
The Stakes for Falcons and Colts
From a competitive standpoint, the Week 10 matchup could carry significant implications for both teams.
The Atlanta Falcons are in the midst of reshaping their identity, and a strong showing in Berlin could boost their playoff aspirations while building international recognition for the franchise.
The Indianapolis Colts, a team with a loyal global following thanks to their history and star players, will be aiming to make a statement on international soil as they continue to climb back into contention.
While fans in the United States will see this as just another regular-season game, German fans will experience it as a rare and unforgettable spectacle — a chance to see NFL stars in action without traveling across the Atlantic.
Looking Ahead: The NFL’s International Future
The Falcons-Colts Berlin clash is part of a seven-game international slate in 2025, the most ever in NFL history. Beyond Germany, games are also being held in the United Kingdom and Mexico, underscoring the league’s vision of becoming a truly global sport.
As the NFL continues to test new markets, the success of games like this one in Berlin will determine whether expansion goes even further — potentially to South America or Asia in the years to come.
Final Thoughts
When the Falcons and Colts take the field at Olympiastadion on November 9, 2025, it won’t just be about touchdowns, interceptions, or field goals. It will be about history, culture, and the growing love of American football on a global scale.
Berlin is ready to embrace the NFL, and fans worldwide will have their eyes fixed on this landmark clash.