Vikings vs. Steelers game in Dublin drew 7.9 million viewers, second-most for an international NFL game
The first NFL game played in Dublin was a hit. An average of 7.9 million people tuned in to NFL Network to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers hold off the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4, one of the highest totals ever for an international NFL game.
That 7.9 million figure made Vikings-Steelers the second most-watched NFL Network international game ever. The only game to surpass that figure came in 2023, when the Miami Dolphins took on the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany.
Dublin Game Viewership
- NFL Media (@NFLMedia) October 1, 2025
*Vikings-Steelers avg. 7.9 million viewers (TV+Digital) -- 2nd most-watched @nflnetwork International Game ever
*Up +68% vs. NFL Network's 2024 International Games avg.
*Vikings-Steelers avg. over 9 million viewers from 12:30p ET until end of game... pic.twitter.com/GkShnCUDUH
That figure was also much higher compared to NFL Network international games last season. Vikings-Steelers viewership was up 68% percent compared to last season. Fans were especially interested to see whether the Vikings would complete their fourth-quarter comeback. From 12:30 p.m. ET to the end of the game, viewership was up over nine million.
The Vikings fought valiantly, but could not overcome a resurgent Steelers defense. Pittsburgh went on to win the contest 24-21.
The Dublin game was the first-ever NFL game played in Ireland. It was also the first international NFL game in Europe this season. The league will play five more games in Europe in 2025, with the Vikings and Cleveland Browns squaring off in London in Week 5.
London will also host games in Week 6 and Week 7. After a brief break, international games will return to the NFL schedule in Week 10, when the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts square off in Germany. The following week, the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders will play in Spain, marking the final international game of the season.
Prior to Week 4, the only other international game on the 2025 NFL schedule occurred in Week 1, when the Los Angeles Chargers beat the Chiefs in Brazil.
Given the league's success with international games, fans should expect to see more of them when the 2026 NFL schedule is released. The league already confirmed at least one international game next season, when the Los Angeles Rams will play a game in Australia. The league has not announced when that game will take place or which team the Rams will play.