Vikings react to head-turning NFL schedule decision: Back-to-back international fixtures set new precedent
The Minnesota Vikings are embracing a historic and unconventional twist to their 2025 NFL season, with the announcement that they will play consecutive international games — first in Dublin, Ireland, and then in London, England. This unprecedented move marks the first time in league history that a team will feature in back-to-back fixtures outside of the United States, a challenge the Vikings appear ready to face head-on.
The announcement, which forms part of the NFL’s wider international growth strategy, will see the Vikings square off against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park on 28 september, before heading to London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face the Cleveland Browns on 5 october. The Vikings will act as the away team in both encounters.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell greeted the news with enthusiasm, viewing the unique scheduling as an invaluable opportunity rather than an obstacle.
“I’m certainly looking at this as a genuine, great opportunity,” O’Connell told international reporters during a virtual media call on Tuesday. “It’s one thing to play in some of these international opportunities that the NFL has done such a great job of putting together, but to be the first, to be the first in such a wonderful place like Dublin and with such a great sports culture already, a great venue in Croke Park and 82,000-plus… it’s an honour.”
O’Connell further emphasised the team-building potential of the two-game international stint, likening it to an extended training camp environment.
“It feels almost like a trip to allow us to come together closer than ever, build our team camaraderie and culture even stronger, which has been such a strong asset to us over three years here,” he added. “It’s about focusing inward as a team, away from the daily distractions of NFL life back home.”
Vikings’ owners celebrate landmark irish fixture
For the Vikings ownership group, led by Mark Wilf, the fixture in Ireland carries both historical and cultural significance, as the NFL makes its debut in the Emerald Isle with only college football having previously graced Dublin.
“Playing in Ireland’s first-ever NFL game is an opportunity to introduce new fans to the Minnesota Vikings and help the league continue to make the game of football more accessible globally,” Wilf said. “To do so against a storied franchise like the Pittsburgh Steelers adds a unique challenge that makes this even more special.”
Wilf expressed particular excitement about the atmosphere expected at Croke Park, renowned for its electric crowd during major Gaelic football and hurling events. “We are honoured to be selected for this historic game and will be anxious to see what promises to be an electric game day environment,” he added.
London remains familiar territory
While Ireland will offer a fresh chapter in the Vikings’ international journey, London is a much more familiar backdrop for the team. Having previously played three games in the UK capital — all victories — the Vikings see London as something of a second home.
Their inaugural London match in 2013 saw them edge the Steelers 34-27, followed by a commanding 33-16 victory over the Browns in 2017, and a tight 28-25 win against the New Orleans Saints in 2022.
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“Our experiences in London have always been memorable, so to return in 2025 as the first team to play in back-to-back international games in different countries was something we could not pass up,” Wilf said. “UK fans have a history of showing up and embracing the Minnesota Vikings, creating what often feels like a homefield environment, and we are hopeful that is what we see again in 2025.”
Domestic and international balance
The Vikings will commence their 2025 campaign with three games on American soil before embarking on their two-week European adventure. The precise timing of their bye week remains under wraps until the NFL’s full schedule is released on Wednesday.
In addition to their NFC North rivals, the Vikings will host the likes of the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders. Road games will see them travel to face the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, and Seattle Seahawks.
As the Vikings prepare for what promises to be a season like no other, both the team and its supporters appear ready to embrace this bold new chapter in NFL history.
