The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't played outside of the United States since facing the Minnesota Vikings in London back in 2013. After more than a decade, that is set to change in 2025.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently reported that the Steelers are expected to play an international game in Ireland in 2025, according to team sources. Last year, the NFL announced the teams that would be participating in international games on January 11, so we could be expecting the official announcement to come soon.
After being shortchanged with eight home games in a seventeen-game schedule in 2024, the Steelers will have nine home games in 2025. This means that their expected game in Ireland is likely to be considered a home game for Pittsburgh.
Ireland is Steelers' home away from home
This game, expected to take place in Dublin, Ireland, is over 3,400 miles from Pittsburgh, but drawing a home crowd shouldn't be an issue. The Rooney's have strong family ties to Ireland as the late Dan Rooney served as a U.S. Ambassador to Ireland from 2009-2012.
The Steelers already have an impressive fanbase established in Ireland, as this is one of three countries in which the Steelers have a Global Markets Program license (the other two being Germany and Mexico).
This report means an early wake-up call for most Steelers fans in the United States who will likely be required to watch the game in the morning. We don't know who their opponent for this contest will be at this time.
By rule as the home team, the Steelers would be required to arrive in Ireland a week early. Meanwhile, the away team can show up two days before the game.
Along with their expected contest in Dublin, the Steelers will have home games in 2025 against the Bills, Dolphins, Packers, and Vikings, as well as their AFC North opponents and a matchup based on divisional standings from the 2024 season.