The NFL’s international journey touched down in Ireland once again this past Sunday, leaving fans wondering whether the American football extravaganza will return to the Emerald Isle. The Pittsburgh Steelers narrowly defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 in what marked the first regular-season NFL game hosted in Dublin, a closely contested match that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz during Pittsburgh's 24-21 win at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.
Minnesota mounted an impressive rally from a 24–6 deficit with just over 11 minutes remaining, but the comeback fell short. Although the Vikings' surge nearly altered the outcome, the game itself had already cemented its place as a memorable occasion for the 74,512 spectators who filled Croke Park. This attendance marked a significant milestone, as it was the largest crowd ever to witness an NFL regular-season game in Ireland, underscoring the growing enthusiasm for American football in the country.
A Long-Awaited Dream for the Steelers
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the event represented the realization of a long-cherished ambition; the franchise returned to Croke Park 28 years after facing the Chicago Bears in a pre-season match. Throughout the week, the narrative consistently highlighted the significance of the occasion for the late team owner Dan Rooney, whose family roots trace back to Newry in County Down.
The match also raised the question of whether it would become a recurring feature in the NFL’s International Series calendar or serve as a one-off tribute to one of the league’s pioneering families. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has expressed strong optimism about the NFL returning to Ireland following the historic regular-season matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park, the first of its kind in the country.
Dublin Joins the International Stage
Dublin became the fourth European city to host an NFL game, following London, Munich and Frankfurt, with Berlin and Madrid scheduled to join the list next month. Beyond Europe, the league has expanded to South America with matches in Brazil and Mexico and an Australian fixture is planned for next year. There are also talks about bringing the sport to Asia, reflecting the NFL’s growing global footprint.
Despite this international expansion, the competition for hosting rights is intense, raising questions about how frequently Ireland can expect to see NFL games. However, support from prominent players, including several celebrated quarterbacks, suggests Dublin could become a favored venue for future international fixtures.
Cultural Significance and Appreciation
Players acknowledged the cultural and historical significance of Croke Park. Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward highlighted the Rooney family’s emphasis on the stadium’s importance, noting that it is regarded as a revered site in Irish sports culture. He also appreciated the temporary modifications made to Hill 16, converting the famous terrace into a seated area for the game, which underscored the adaptation of a historic venue to host an international spectacle.
The NFL framed the event as a “mini-Super Bowl,” and the atmosphere around Dublin mirrored that ambition. From the early hours on game day, fans in team jerseys filled the streets, creating a vibrant pre-match experience reminiscent of a home game in Pittsburgh. Traditional rituals, from waving “Terrible Towels” to playing iconic Steelers anthems, were replicated to ensure authenticity. Local establishments even embraced the American football theme, offering regional specialties like Primanti Bros. sandwiches.
Fans embraced the immersive experience, arriving hours before kickoff to soak up every moment. Some attendees were even discussing football betting strategies, analyzing team performances and possible outcomes, which added another layer to the excitement. The energy and dedication of Irish supporters reflected a distinct fan culture, different from typical European sporting events and made the occasion feel both unique and celebratory.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the excitement, the event was not without its complications. The Vikings faced several on-field setbacks, including a delay-of-game penalty due to visibility issues and a key wide receiver losing balance near the end zone. Beyond the pitch, there were broader concerns. Some local sports enthusiasts remained cautious about hosting non-GAA events at Croke Park, a venue historically reserved for Gaelic sports.
In the weeks preceding the game, media discussions included debates about government expenditure, objections to American foreign policy and respect for sporting traditions. Additionally, an incident involving the Steelers’ backup quarterback being reportedly robbed added a note of controversy to the otherwise festive atmosphere.
The NFL faces a careful balancing act in assessing whether to make Dublin a recurring stop on its international tour. Henry Hodgson, NFL UK general manager, explained that the league will review the event’s overall success in collaboration with Irish authorities, including Dublin City Council and government representatives. The goal is to evaluate fan engagement, logistical execution and local reception before confirming any future fixtures.
Positive Player Impressions & Dublin’s Place in the NFL’s Global Vision
Players widely praised the Dublin experience, emphasizing the warmth and enthusiasm of the local fan base. Many appreciated the opportunity to connect with Irish supporters and experience the city’s culture, describing the short stay as both enjoyable and memorable. While acknowledging that the trip was brief, several participants expressed hope that Dublin could host NFL games annually or feature multiple teams over time.
Sunday’s game highlighted how American football has evolved into a truly global sport. Dublin demonstrated that it can host an international-scale sporting event, merging American football traditions with the Irish cultural context. Although some challenges and criticisms surfaced, the overwhelmingly positive reception suggests that Ireland could play a significant role in the NFL’s international expansion.
Whether future games in Dublin will become a regular fixture or remain special one-off events remains uncertain. However, the combination of strong fan engagement, cultural significance and professional execution has positioned the city as a strong candidate for continued inclusion in the league’s international schedule. The hope is that this first regular-season match in Ireland will not be a singular moment but the start of a recurring celebration of football on Irish soil.
