On Sept. 4, millions of Americans will tune in to watch the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Dallas Cowboys in the 2025 NFL Kickoff — a seasonal tradition that resonates far beyond the field. For most, it’s a moment of collective ritual and local pride. But viewed from the vantage point of global affairs, this year’s kickoff signals something more: a subtle but growing recognition that American football, and the broader cultural and economic ecosystem surrounding it, has become a vehicle of international engagement.

The next day, the league will host its second regular-season game in Brazil, with the Chiefs facing the Chargers in São Paulo. This match is one of seven taking place overseas this season — spanning five countries, with inaugural regular-season contests in Madrid, Berlin and Dublin. The NFL’s increasingly global posture reflects not only the league’s commercial ambitions, but also the unique role sport plays in shaping relationships between nations. As someone who has worked at the intersection of diplomacy and cultural exchange, I’ve seen firsthand how these moments of informal contact can have lasting impact.

Washington, D.C., is no stranger to the convergence of the symbolic and the strategic. The Commanders’ upcoming game in Madrid — part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program — underscores how U.S.-based franchises are extending their reach well beyond domestic audiences. The league now permits all 32 teams to activate in 21 international markets. These rights are not just marketing permissions; they are platforms for

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