EA SPORTS™ and the National Football League (NFL) are taking competitive gaming global with the launch of the Madden NFL 26 International: Madrid Challenge — a new esports event that marks the next major step in expanding American football’s international reach.
Set to take place in Madrid, Spain, the tournament will conclude with an in-person grand finale on November 15, 2025, just one day before the Washington Commanders face the Miami Dolphins in the historic NFL Madrid Game — the league’s first-ever regular season matchup in Spain.
Madden NFL Takes the Global Stage
The Madden NFL 26 Madrid Challenge aims to unite traditional sports and esports fans across continents, showcasing how competitive gaming can help grow the NFL’s global audience.
“Playing on an international stage – even being there is insane,” said Jonathan “Jonbeast” Marquez, a veteran of the Madden NFL 25 Championship Series.
“Being on that stage in a great venue with great energy from everyone was amazing. It’s motivated me now that I’ve seen what it’s like to play football esports outside of America.”
Expanding Football’s Reach Through Esports
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Madrid Challenge highlights EA SPORTS and the NFL’s shared commitment to engaging international audiences through interactive entertainment. Organizers say the initiative aims to showcase esports as a powerful platform that connects global fans with the thrill of American football.
How to Qualify for the Madden NFL 26 Madrid Challenge
Players can earn a spot in the Madrid finals through two main qualification routes:
- PlayStation Tournaments
- ChallengerMode Platform
Eligible participants from Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom can compete in regional qualifiers for a share of a $10,000 prize pool. Online matches will take place between October 6–16, 2025.
Meanwhile, players in the United States, Canada, and Mexico can battle for a $50,000 prize pool on ChallengerMode — with top competitors earning a trip to Madrid for the live finale.
Live Finale at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The championship event will be hosted inside the Real Madrid Club Shop at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, one of the most iconic sports venues in Europe.
Fans around the world can watch the action live on the official Madden NFL Twitch and YouTube channels, bringing esports excitement to a truly global audience.
A Milestone for Madden and the NFL
The Madden NFL 26 International: Madrid Challenge represents a bold new chapter for both EA SPORTS and the NFL, combining the world’s top football simulation with one of Europe’s most passionate sports cities.
With international competition, real-world integration, and a major live event at one of football’s greatest stadiums, the Madrid Challenge is set to redefine how fans around the world experience Madden esports.
