Pittsburgh Steelers will play Minnesota Vikings in Ireland this season…read more… 

Pittsburgh Steelers will play Minnesota Vikings in Ireland this season…read more…   The National Football League (NFL) is set to make history this season with its first-ever regular-season game in Ireland, featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings. Scheduled for September 28, 2025, this Week 4 matchup will take place at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park, marking a significant milestone in the NFL’s international expansion efforts .

Croke Park, the largest sporting arena in Ireland and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), has previously hosted notable events, including a 1997 preseason NFL game between the Steelers and the Chicago Bears . This upcoming game, however, will be the first regular-season NFL contest held on Irish soil, underscoring the league’s commitment to growing its global presence.

The Steelers’ selection as the designated team for this historic game is deeply rooted in their longstanding ties to Ireland. The Rooney family, owners of the Steelers, have ancestral connections to Newry, County Down. The late Dan Rooney, former Steelers chairman, served as the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012 and co-founded the Ireland Funds charity . Additionally, the Steelers have been active participants in the NFL’s Global Markets Program, holding marketing rights in Ireland since 2023 .

The Minnesota Vikings, the Steelers’ opponents for this game, have an impressive track record in international play. They remain undefeated in their three previous regular-season games abroad, including a notable victory over the Steelers at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2013 . This upcoming game in Dublin will be their fourth international regular-season appearance, further solidifying their global footprint.

The NFL’s decision to host a regular-season game in Ireland is part of a broader initiative to expand the league’s international reach. In 2025, the NFL plans to host a record seven international games across five countries, including Brazil, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom . The Dublin game represents a significant step in this expansion, offering Irish fans a unique opportunity to experience American football at the highest level.

Irish government officials have expressed enthusiasm about the event, highlighting its potential to boost tourism and strengthen cultural ties between Ireland and the United States. Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD stated, “Hosting a regular-season NFL game in 2025 will have huge benefits for Irish tourism, the wider economy, and our sports ecosystem” .

Fans interested in attending the game can register for updates and ticket information through the official NFL Dublin Game website . With the Steelers’ deep-rooted connections to Ireland and the Vikings’ strong international presence, this historic matchup promises to be a memorable event for fans on both sides of the Atlantic.