The Spanish capital has been swept up in the atmosphere of American football for an entire week as it prepares to host an unprecedented sporting event. For the first time in history, the National Football League is holding an official game in Madrid, and the city is buzzing with anticipation for this spectacular show. More and more people can be seen on the streets wearing Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders jerseys, while iconic city landmarks have become gathering points for thousands of football fans.
While fans eagerly await the main event, the Miami team is already settling into their new surroundings. The Dolphins have chosen the Cívitas Metropolitano stadium—home of Atlético de Madrid—as their temporary base. This decision was no accident: with La Liga on break for international matches, the state-of-the-art complex is entirely at the disposal of the American team. Here, on the pristine pitch, Mike McDaniel’s squad holds daily practices from Tuesday to Saturday, fine-tuning their tactics before the big game. According to the US players, they are thoroughly impressed with the facilities and infrastructure provided. In addition to training sessions, the stadium also hosts press conferences, media meetups, and other official events. Interestingly, quite a few Atlético players are avid NFL fans themselves. Team captain Koke and star striker Antoine Griezmann have never hidden their enthusiasm for American football, and are now keenly following the preparations of their overseas counterparts.
The highlight of this action-packed week will be the match taking place this Sunday, November 16, at the legendary Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Accustomed to major European football battles, this arena will, for the first time, host overseas guests for an official game. The event has already been called historic not only for Spanish sports but for all of Europe, as it marks a new stage in the NFL’s global expansion.
The organizers have taken care of not only the athletes, but also the fans. In the very heart of Madrid, at Plaza de España, a large-scale Miami Dolphins fan zone has opened. It’s more than just a merchandise stand—it’s a fully interactive space. Here, anyone can try their hand at standard plays or simply soak up an atmosphere reminiscent of what you’d find at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Visitors will find a variety of food courts, shops with official merchandise, and an unexpected treat from the world of motorsport. The Formula 1 team Williams Racing has put Carlos Sainz’s FW45 car on public display, creating even more buzz. And for the youngest visitors and their parents, the cheerful Dolphins mascot named T.D. keeps spirits high.
For those unable to attend the stadium, the game will be widely broadcast. You can watch the Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders live at 15:30 on the free-to-air channel Cuatro. This gives everyone the chance to join in the major sporting event at no cost. In addition, live streams will be available on DAZN and Mediaset Infinity platforms, ensuring maximum audience reach both in Spain and beyond.
