Dan Rooney in Ireland. — Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers helped make NFL history during the 2025 season as they hosted the Minnesota Vikings in the first NFL regular season game ever played in Ireland. So when does the NFL plan to return to play in Ireland?
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell revealed hopefully within the next few years.
“We did have a wonderful time. Both clubs had a great time. I think our fans had a spectacular time,” Goodell said during his annual state of the NFL news conference ahead of the Super Bowl on Monday. “That game had more people come from the states from an international game than any game in our series.”
Roger Goodell said that the NFL will be returning to Ireland after this year’s #Steelers–#Vikings game, and said he expects it to happen in a few years.
“We did have a wonderful time. Both clubs had a great time. I think our fans had a spectacular time. … That game had more…
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) February 2, 2026
This season’s game in Ireland was a smashing hit. According to NFL Media, the Steelers-Vikings game averaged 7.9 million viewers (TV+Digital), making it the second-most NFL Network watched game ever.
It was up +68% vs. NFL Network’s 2024 International Games average and only the Miami Dolphins-Kansas City Chiefs game in Germany in 2023 had better ratings.
Attendance at Croke Park was also packed full with a whopping 74,512 people in the stands.
Croke Park — The view from Roinn B2, on the Hill Terrace, for the 2004 All-Ireland Football Final.
It’s safe to say that has stuck with players.
“It’s awesome, to be honest with you, I don’t know if we’re going to be able to come back, but I hope we do. It was an incredible experience,” linebacker Patrick Queen said after the 24-21 win over Minnesota. “The people here are extremely nice. The fans came out and showed out. So I think it’s just everything you wanted from this trip right here. You got a win for the history of that, you couldn’t ask for more.”
Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig also added, “It was awesome, just taking it all in. Like, we are really playing a game overseas. This was my first time being out of the country. Especially being where I’m from, a small island in Hawaii. It’s crazy the places football can take you.”
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is very confident that the NFL will return to Dublin, too.
“100%, yes,” the four-time NFL MVP said when asked if Dublin deserved more games in the future.
Only time will tell when the NFL will officially return to Ireland, but it’s likely Pittsburgh will be among those with the best chance to represent the league overseas once again.
Mentioned In This Article: Ireland Pittsburgh Steelers Roger Goodell Steelers