Football may be the most popular sport in America, but it still has a long way to go before it fully captures a global audience. That’s one reason the NFL has started scheduling select games outside the United States, giving international fans the chance to see the sport up close. In 2025, one of the most exciting matchups on this global schedule will be the Minnesota Vikings facing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, on September 28 at 9:30 a.m. ET. This will be the first time a regular-season NFL game is played in Ireland, making it a landmark event for both the league and Irish fans eager to experience the thrill of American football live.
Both teams come into the Dublin clash with strong momentum. The Steelers made headlines in the offseason with their bold decision to sign veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Many doubted whether Rodgers still had what it takes after a rocky year with the New York Jets, but in week one he silenced critics in stunning fashion. Facing his former teammates, he threw four touchdown passes, racked up 244 yards, and posted an impressive quarterback rating of 136.7. It was a performance that reminded the football world of the Rodgers of old—sharp, confident, and ruthless. His presence has injected new life and optimism into the Steelers, who now look like a serious contender in 2025.
The Vikings, meanwhile, showed they are a team that cannot be counted out. In their season opener against the Chicago Bears, Minnesota stumbled through three uneven quarters of play. Mistakes and missed opportunities left them trailing heading into the final stretch. But what happened next was a statement. The Vikings turned the game around in dramatic fashion, scoring three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to pull off a narrow but electrifying 27–24 victory. That late-game comeback sent a message across the league: this is a team with resilience, firepower, and the ability to flip the script when it matters most.
The stage is now set for what promises to be a fascinating battle in Dublin. On one side, you have Rodgers and the Steelers, riding high on their quarterback’s resurgence and determined to prove they are the real deal. On the other, you have the Vikings, a team that thrives under pressure and has already shown the ability to claw its way back from the brink. The clash of these two unpredictable squads is enough to make fans on both sides of the Atlantic sit up and pay attention.
But the excitement isn’t just about what happens on the field. Playing in Ireland adds a layer of intrigue to the matchup. Croke Park, the principal national stadium of Ireland, can hold more than 80,000 fans. It is usually home to Gaelic games like hurling and football, making this NFL showdown an entirely new experience for both the venue and the local crowd. With such a massive turnout expected, the question becomes: how will the teams handle playing in a neutral setting, far from their usual fan bases, with tens of thousands of Irish spectators watching every play? Will the pressure of such a historic moment rattle either side, or will it inspire them to put on a performance that leaves a lasting impression on Ireland’s sports culture?
No matter the outcome, the Vikings-Steelers game is destined to be a spectacle. It’s not just about two teams battling for an early-season edge, but about showcasing the drama and excitement of American football to a new audience. Fans watching from home can tune in on NFL Network, with coverage beginning at 7 a.m. ET on NFL GameDay Kickoff, live from Dublin. For those lucky enough to be inside Croke Park, it’s a chance to witness history: the NFL planting its flag on Irish soil for the very first time.
