October 09, 2025
EA SPORTS and the NFL Announce the Madden 26 International Challenge in Madrid The Madden NFL 26 International Challenge brings American football esports to Spain — just in time for the NFL Madrid Game
Football fans in Europe are about to experience something special — EA SPORTS™ and the NFL have officially announced the Madden NFL 26 International Challenge, set to take place this November in Madrid, Spain.
This global competition marks a major step in the NFL’s growing international presence and gives players across North America and Europe a chance to battle for prestige, prizes, and a place on one of Madden’s biggest stages.
🌍 A Global Celebration of Football
The Madden NFL 26 International Challenge: Madrid will host its live championship finale on November 15, 2025, just one day before the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins square off in the 2025 NFL Madrid Game.
This esports event will not only highlight competitive Madden gameplay but also celebrate the international passion for football — bringing together fans from around the world.
The finals will be held at the Real Madrid Club Shop inside the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Spain’s second-largest sports venue.
If you can’t make it to Madrid, fans can still tune in live via the official Madden NFL Twitch and YouTube channels to catch all the action.
🎮 How to Qualify
Players from both Europe and North America will have a chance to qualify for the live championship event in Madrid through two separate online tournaments:
🇪🇺 European Qualifier
- Platform: PlayStation Tournaments
- Dates: October 6–16, 2025
- Regions Eligible: Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom
- Prize Pool: $10,000
- Reward: Winner secures a spot in the Madrid live event
🇺🇸 North American Qualifier
- Platform: ChallengerMode
- Regions Eligible: United States, Canada, and Mexico
- Prize Pool: $50,000
- Reward: A once-in-a-lifetime trip to Madrid to compete live and attend the NFL Madrid Game
🏆 Competitive Spirit on the International Stage
Past Madden champions are already thrilled about the event’s global reach. One competitor shared, “Playing on an international stage, even being there is insane. But being on the stage in a great venue, with great energy from everyone, was amazing.”
This enthusiasm captures what EA and the NFL are aiming for — expanding American football’s global community through competitive gaming.
🎯 The Bigger Picture
The Madden 26 International Challenge is more than just an esports tournament — it’s part of a broader NFL strategy to expand its footprint across key European markets.
By merging gaming and sports fandom, EA and the NFL are creating new opportunities for fans to engage with football in unique, global ways.
Whether you’re competing, attending in person, or watching from home, the Madrid Challenge promises to be a milestone moment for international football esports.