Will the NFL play a game in Ireland in the future? The Pittsburgh Steelers certainly wouldn’t mind

NFL games have been held on European soil every year since 2007. While there was only ever one game until 2011, the number was subsequently increased to several games.

The league has also expanded into other countries outside Europe and the USA. Matches are now also played in Mexico and Brazil.

In the coming season alone, six regular-season games will take place outside the USA: One in Brazil (Sao Paulo), three in England (London), one in Germany (Munich) and one in Spain (Madrid).

Because the International Games are so successful, the league is constantly considering further expansion options. According to sources close to the NFL, France (Paris) and Ireland (Dublin) are on the bucket list.

One NFL team in particular is said to be particularly keen on the idea of playing in Ireland. The Pittsburgh Steelers.

Steelers “working” on Ireland game

According to Dan Rooney, director of business development and strategy for the Steelers, the plans are already in the works.

“It’s been a goal from the beginning to be able to play a game in front of the Irish fans,” Rooney told BBC Sport during a training camp for the franchise in Belfast. “We’re working on it with the NFL and we’re excited to see what comes out of it.”

The wish has a historical background. In 1997, the Steelers played the first and so far only NFL game on Irish soil. However, the match against the Chicago Bears was not a regular-season game, but a preseason game

Ireland game is in the hands of the NFL

The Steelers won the game at Croke Park in Dublin.

However, nothing is set in stone yet. Especially as the Steelers would first have to win the bid for the game should the NFL actually expand to Ireland.

“We are waiting to hear the results from the NFL but have told them we would love to play a game on the island one day. We have an exciting future ahead of us. It would be special no matter where the game was played. In 1997 it was at Croke Park, a unique setting, but it’s all in the hands of the NFL,” Rooney said.