As the calendar flips to October 3, 2026, the NFL world turns its eyes to London, where the Indianapolis Colts will face the Washington Commanders in Week 4. This marks the Colts’ fourth regular-season international game and their third overseas trip in the last four seasons. What was once a rare novelty has become a recurring chapter in the franchise’s story. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Colts carry a 2-1 record outside the United States into this weekend, and if history is any guide, fans should brace for another nail-biter.
A Rocky Start: 2016 in London
The Colts’ first regular-season international game came in 2016 against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium. Indianapolis fell behind 23-6 before a furious fourth-quarter rally brought them within three points. Andrew Luck threw for 234 yards and two touchdowns, but the comeback fell short in a 30-27 loss. As an AFC South matchup, the stakes were heightened, and the Colts left London at 1-3. At the time, the NFL’s international operation was still in its infancy—Germany had yet to host a game, and London was the sole European stage. For Indianapolis, it was a bitter introduction to regular-season football abroad.
Redemption in Frankfurt: 2023
Seven years later, the Colts finally returned overseas, this time to Frankfurt, Germany. The result was a 10-6 victory over the New England Patriots, though the game itself was far from a masterpiece. Gardner Minshew managed just 194 passing yards, and Jonathan Taylor scored the team’s only touchdown. The defense intercepted Mac Jones late in the fourth quarter to seal the win. It wasn’t pretty, but as the saying goes, nobody asks how an international win looks afterward. The victory gave the Colts their first regular-season win outside the U.S. and evened their international record at 1-1.
Berlin Thriller: 2025
The Colts didn’t wait another seven years for their next trip. In 2025, they faced the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin—the first NFL regular-season game ever held in the German capital. This time, Indianapolis was the designated home team, and the game was an instant classic. Tied at 25 in overtime, the Colts punched in a touchdown to secure a 31-25 victory. The win improved their international record to 2-1 and marked consecutive victories in Germany. Germany has quickly become one of the league’s biggest international markets, and the Colts have been at the forefront of that expansion.
Pattern of Drama
If the previous three trips are any indication, expecting another close game would make sense. Every Colts regular-season international game has been decided by six points or fewer. The settings have changed, the opponents have changed, and the quality of football has certainly varied, but the Colts have never had an easy afternoon overseas. Even the 2023 Patriots game, which was not exactly an offensive showcase, stayed undecided until the final minutes. There is also an element of unpredictability that comes with these games. The travel schedule is different, the routine during the week changes, and both teams are playing in an environment they do not normally experience during the season. That does not automatically make every international game close, but the Colts’ history suggests they have rarely been comfortable either way.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Indianapolis comes into this one trying to build off its win over Houston after an 0-2 start, so another one-score game would hardly be surprising. The Colts have already played two tight games in the last two weeks, and their international history has followed the same pattern. Ten years after their first London trip, the Colts are back in England with a 2-1 regular-season international record and a chance to make it three straight wins overseas. Based on how their previous trips have gone, they may have to sweat through another one to get there. As highlighted on Vulius, the Colts’ international journey has been defined by drama, and this weekend promises more of the same. For fans looking to commemorate the occasion, Vulius offers official custom NFL merchandise to celebrate the Colts’ global footprint.
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