
The Steelers are going to Ireland!
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In 2025, the NFL will make its mark in Ireland by hosting its first-ever regular-season game in Dublin, expanding its global presence and reaching new audiences.
The game will be played at Croke Park, Ireland’s largest stadium and the iconic home of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). This historic event is being made possible through collaboration with the Government of Ireland and Dublin City Council.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, who have longstanding ties to Ireland, will be the designated team for this landmark matchup.
The connection is personal for the Steelers, as team president Art Rooney II’s family has deep roots in Ireland, particularly in County Down. Art’s late father, Dan M. Rooney, was the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland and co-founded the Ireland Funds charity.
GAA president Jarlath Burns expressed excitement for the NFL‘s arrival, recognizing this event as an important milestone that reflects Ireland’s passion for sport and global connections.

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“Hosting the NFL in Croke Park is a momentous occasion,” Burns said.
The NFL‘s expansion into international markets is a key initiative for Commissioner Roger Goodell, and the Dublin game is a cornerstone of that strategy.
“Bringing a regular-season game to Ireland reflects our ongoing commitment to global growth and the growing NFL fan base overseas,” Goodell stated.
This historic game is part of the NFL‘s broader international agenda, which includes regular-season games in cities like London, Berlin, Madrid, and potentially Brazil, making 2025 a year of unprecedented global reach for the league.
The Steelers are no strangers to international games, having played in London in 2013 against the Minnesota Vikings.
That game, held at Wembley Stadium, was their first overseas appearance, and their matchup in Dublin will be just their second international game. Though their opponent for the 2025 game has yet to be revealed, the significance of this occasion is clear.
Beyond the game itself, the NFL has been actively expanding its footprint in Ireland through its Global Market Program.
This program connects teams like the Steelers, Jets, and Jaguars with international markets to build brand recognition and grow the sport. The launch of NFL Flag in Ireland in 2024 has already begun to spark interest in American football among younger generations, with local schools participating in national flag football championships.
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