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The NFL continues its global expansion with a Week 9 matchup in Madrid, Spain, as the Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) take on the Atlanta Falcons (3-5) at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu. This marks only the second regular-season NFL game ever played in Spain, following the league's international series that has already visited London, Rio, Mexico City, Paris, Melbourne, Berlin, Dublin, and other cities.
Colombian singer and Latin Grammy nominee Manuel Turizo will headline the halftime show, which is scheduled to begin around 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. CEST. The game itself kicks off at 9:30 a.m. ET / 6:30 a.m. PT / 3:30 p.m. CEST on Sunday, Nov. 8.
In addition to Turizo, Spanish classical guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas will perform Spain's national anthem, "La Marcha Granadera," while Taylor Momsen, lead vocalist of The Pretty Reckless, will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner." The game is expected to draw celebrity attendees, as past NFL international games have attracted stars like Bizarrap, Daddy Yankee, Madrid's Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, and former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
How to Watch the NFL Madrid Game 2026 Live Online for Free
The game will broadcast on NFL Network and can be streamed live on ESPN Unlimited. For cord-cutters looking to watch without cable, several streaming services offer free trials. DirecTV provides a five-day free trial and includes NFL Network in its lineup, with a subscription starting at $64.99 for the first month ($94.99 thereafter). Sling TV's Blue plan, priced at $54.99 per month, includes NFL Network among its 40+ channels and comes with a free cloud DVR and 600+ free channels. FuboTV offers a five-day free trial and starts at $63.99 for the first month ($88.99 afterward), featuring over 230 channels including NFL Network. Hulu + Live TV, starting at $99.99 per month, includes NFL Network and bundles Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN Select at no extra cost. ESPN Unlimited, the official streaming home of NFL Network, costs $31.99 per month or $319.99 per year (a savings of nearly 17%) and provides access to all ESPN networks, though it does not offer a free trial.
Key Analysis
The NFL's Madrid game represents another step in the league's strategy to grow American football internationally, following nearly two decades of regular-season games abroad. With the Bengals and Falcons both seeking crucial wins, the matchup promises competitive action, while the halftime show and celebrity presence add entertainment value. For viewers in the U.S., the early start time (9:30 a.m. ET) may require some planning, but the availability of free trials makes it accessible to a wide audience.
Originally reported by billboard.