New Orleans, Atlanta, London, Tokyo? – Godell’s lofty Super Bowl ambitions

Atlanta has been confirmed as the host of Super Bowl LXII in 2028.

After a roaring success in Las Vegas earlier this year, New Orleans is the venue for the finale of the 2024 season.

The Super Bowl champion will be chosen in California in back-to-back years with Levi’s Stadium (2026) and SoFi Stadium (2027) completing the confirmed venues.

That takes us to 2029 and beyond, with an entire world of possibilities as the NFL tries to extend its influence across the globe.

Brazil hosted its first game this season and Spain is up next in 2025 – joining the UK, Germany, and Mexico.

Commissioner Roger Goodell recently suggested that the league’s money-spinning crown jewel could head outside the States one day.

“We’ve always traditionally tried to play a Super Bowl in an NFL city — that was always sort of a reward for the cities that have NFL franchises,” he told a fan forum in London last week. 

“But things change. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if that happens one day.”

talkSPORT hosts Brian T. Smith and Jay Lawrence discussed their top five potential destinations for a historic first international Super Bowl on the latest episode of NFL Rundown.

5. France

The French proved they could put on a show with the Olympics this summer.

Luckily, the NFL stars won’t be expected into the river and suffer the same nauseating fate as some of their Olympic counterparts.

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Food, culture, nightlife, Paris has it all. When choosing where to host a sporting spectacle that often provides moments worth hanging in Le Louvre, why not play down the road from the iconic museum?

“I was just in Paris for the Olympics. I spent a week there with my amazing wife and had the time of my life. I got to go as a fan,” explained Smith.

“When you have beach volleyball in front of the Eiffel Tower, when you’re using all these beautiful, historic venues, they did such an amazing job,” he added.

“Now, granted, this is just one game, but they they understood how to use their city, all their amazing history, one of the greatest cities in the world to their advantage.”

“I’m already regretting putting Paris at No. 5,” suggested Lawrence.

“I think it should be further up the list because that would be unbelievable for the entire week.”

4. Germany

Germany is a regular host of NFL matches and has a huge local fanbase.

Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin would all be in contention as massive sporting cities capable of hosting major events.

“It’s an international city. It’s relatively easy to get to wherever you’re at across the globe,” said Smith on Munich.

“People are always flying through Germany to go somewhere else or they’re staying for a week. I might or might not be going to check out the Christmas markets in Germany later this year.

“So, yeah, it is definitely in our top five. And there is a reason. in all seriousness, the NFL has been so associated with Germany, more so than France, more so than Spain, more so than Italy or Ireland in the last five to 10 years. They have a connection with Germany.

“The Euros (European Championships) is there. And, you know, the NFL does all these feasibility studies to work out where there should be games. But Germany is sports mad. They are obviously so used to holding major tournaments.”

3. Australia

Lots of Australians have made their way into the NFL – including star Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata.

Pat McAfee is a huge fan of Australian Rules Football – which produces some brilliant punters.

Melbourne is being touted as a potential host for a regular-season game and would be an incredible venue for the Super Bowl.

“We won’t be on planet Earth, most likely, in 100 years,” declared Smith.

“But I think you will look back in 100 years and there will have been a Super Bowl in Melbourne. There will have been a Super Bowl in Tokyo.

“There will have been a Super Bowl in one of the cities that we’re going to get to in a second on this show. This is where it’s going now. Maybe it happens once every 10 years.”

2. Mexico

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Mexico City hosted the first regular-season game outside the States in 2005.

With a huge fanbase and massive contribution to the game in terms of talent, including Hall of Fame tackle Anthony Munoz, it would be a deserving recipient.

And, as the old saying goes, location, location, location.

“I think that this is could be the first international Super Bowl,” said Lawrence.

“And I’ll tell you why, because this is a bridge location, because Mexico City, not that far from the US.

“It is very easy for a lot of American fans to be able to get there. In fact, for a lot of American fans, it’ll be easier to get to Mexico City than it will other parts of the US.”

1. United Kingdom

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London hosted its first regular-season NFL game in 2007 and would be the overwhelming favorite to claim the first international Super Bowl.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – designed to host NFL matches as well as soccer – has hosted two games already this season.

It was name-dropped by NFL executive Peter O’Riley as a “world-class” venue when the prospect of an international Super Bowl was discussed in a briefing with reporters on Wednesday.

And Wembley – the home of the England national team – is the venue for London’s 39th NFL contest when the New England Patriots take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

“If I’m the NFL, I rubber stamp it right now. I work with Parliament,” said Smith.

“I work with (UK Prime Minister) Kier Starmer. I am bringing the Super Bowl to London.

“Let’s make this up on the spot. Super Bowl in London in 2030.”

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