Nothing is official yet, but based on a new NFL schedule leak, it sure looks like the Green Bay Packers will avoid an international game in 2026. That will be music to Matt LaFleur's ears.
According to OzzyNFL on X, who does an excellent job of tracking the schedule rumors, the Pittsburgh Steelers will meet the New Orleans Saints in Paris, France, which was the Packers' final opportunity to play overseas this year.
LaFleur wasn't a fan of the Packers' last trip to Europe, when they played in London four years ago. He said at the time, "I'm not going to give you my honest answer. I'd rather refrain."
Now, he likely won't have that worry in 2026.
Matt LaFleur will likely get his wish of the Packers avoiding the NFL International Series in 2026
Again, nothing is official just yet, but it seems almost certain the Packers won't play overseas. Let's break it down.
The NFL has already announced 49ers-Rams for Melbourne, Australia, Ravens-Cowboys for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Bengals-Falcons for Madrid, Spain. The Niners, Commanders, and Jaguars will also "host" international games, but none of those teams are on the Packers' 2026 schedule.
That leaves the Lions' game in Munich, Germany, and the Saints' game in Paris, France.
Packers president Ed Policy told Cheesehead TV that the Lions had blocked their home game against the Packers, ensuring it remains at Ford Field and not at a neutral venue. That only left the Saints, but signs now point to them playing the Steelers in Paris, and not the Packers.
The international games will be announced in full at 8 a.m. CT on Wednesday, May 13, but it now looks likely that LaFleur won't have to lead his team back to Europe.
He's the big winner. LaFleur compared the London trip to a Thursday night game, given the difficult travel schedule and how it impacts preparation time. Before that game in London in 2022, Aaron Rodgers said "coaches are creatures of habit" and that even small changes to the schedule "throws them all out of whack," which could explain LaFleur's unenthusiastic comments about the trip.
It would've been fun to see the Packers play another international game, but at least we won't see Grumpy LaFleur in 2026.
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