The Atlanta Falcons have begun preparations for their upcoming NFL game in Madrid at the training facilities of Spanish football giants Real Madrid, while the Cincinnati Bengals are set to train at the Spanish national football team’s facilities ahead of Sunday’s meeting.
Both teams arrived in the Spanish capital on Tuesday for the November 8 encounter, which will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid.
The Falcons began their training programme at Real Madrid’s sports complex on Wednesday, with head coach Kevin Stefanski praising the facilities and the organisation behind the team’s trip to Europe.
Stefanski described the training centre as an excellent place for the team to prepare, while acknowledging the work required to transport an entire NFL squad across the Atlantic.
He also expressed appreciation to the NFL and the Falcons’ organisation for coordinating the trip.
Madrid prepares for its second NFL regular-season game
Sunday’s encounter will be the second NFL regular-season game hosted in Madrid.
The first took place last year, when the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime.
Rafa de los Santos, the NFL’s country manager for Spain, said preparations for this year’s event were progressing as planned, including arrangements at the stadium and across the city.
The game is part of the NFL’s record nine-match international schedule for the 2026 season. It is the seventh of those fixtures to be played outside the United States, with Munich and Mexico City scheduled to host the remaining games.
Organisers expect approximately 80,000 spectators at the Bernabéu on Sunday. Last year’s Madrid game attracted 78,610 fans.
Bernabéu pitch expected to be in top condition
Organisers have also expressed confidence in the condition of the playing surface at the Bernabéu.
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De los Santos said the stadium’s pitch was expected to be in excellent condition, describing its maintenance as a priority for Real Madrid.
He added that organisers were satisfied with the playing surface during last year’s event and did not anticipate any problems ahead of Sunday’s game.
The teams have different training arrangements this time. While the Falcons are using Real Madrid’s training centre, the Bengals will train at facilities belonging to Spain’s football federation.
Last year, the Washington Commanders trained at Real Madrid’s facilities, while the Miami Dolphins used the stadium facilities of city rivals Atlético Madrid.
NFL game to honour victims of Spanish train collision
The organisers have also confirmed that Sunday’s game will include a tribute to victims of a high-speed train collision in Spain that killed 69 people and injured dozens last week.
They have not disclosed details of the planned tribute, describing it as a surprise.
Manuel Turizo to perform at halftime
Colombian singer Manuel Turizo will headline the halftime entertainment at the Bernabéu.
However, organisers will have to ensure that the performance complies with local noise regulations.
Concerts at the stadium have been suspended since 2024 following complaints from nearby residents about excessive noise.
De los Santos said the NFL would respect Spanish laws and regulations governing the event.
Madrid’s NFL hosting agreement continues
Madrid and the NFL have one year remaining on their agreement to stage games in the Spanish capital.
The 2026 encounter is another part of the league’s effort to expand its presence beyond the United States through regular-season international fixtures.