The National Football League (NFL) is reinforcing its commitment to global talent development by announcing the International Player Pathway (IPP) programme Class of 2026. This year, the esteemed program will provide an exclusive opportunity for 13 highly skilled athletes hailing from 10 different countries. These players will undergo intensive training designed to hone their American football skills and demonstrate their potential to compete at the professional level.

The Class of 2026 features a diverse group of international athletes. Representing the Oceania region are Kaia Clarkin, Jarrod Gray, and Laekin Vakalahi from Australia and New Zealand, with Kaylan Faumui representing both New Zealand and Samoa. Europe and Asia are represented by Felix Lepper and Michael Daramola from Germany, and Kansei Matsuzawa from Japan. The African continent sends Joshua Weru from Kenya, and a strong contingent from Nigeria including Collins Arogunjo, Uar Bernard, Michael Daramola (also representing Germany), Chibuike Madu, and Anjola Oketola. Seydou Traore brings representation from Algeria, the Ivory Coast, and the United Kingdom, showcasing the program's wide reach.

Patrick Long, the NFL Director of International Football Development, expressed enthusiasm for the new class, stating, “We’re thrilled to welcome a new group of talented international athletes to the 2026 IPP programme.” Long emphasized the program's crucial role in the global expansion of American football, noting, “The IPP program is a key component of the growth of our game globally, providing a pathway for these elite athletes, a number of whom have gone on to achieve tremendous success in the NFL and beyond. We wish the Class of 2026 the very best of luck as they get to work next month and look forward to following their progress in the new year.”

The comprehensive training regimen for the IPP Class of 2026 is set to commence in January 2026. Over a 10-week period, the athletes will train rigorously at X3 Performance and Physical Therapy located in Fort Myers, Florida. This intensive program encompasses both on-field drills and classroom instruction, ensuring a holistic development approach. Following this training, the athletes will have a prime opportunity to exhibit their acquired skills and athletic prowess directly in front of NFL club scouts.

Upon completion of the program and their showcase, these international players become eligible for various avenues into the NFL. They can be signed by any club as free agents, or, if they meet the specific criteria, they may be selected during the 2026 NFL Draft. Additionally, NFL rules allow each club to utilize one roster exemption for a qualifying international player. This exemption is applicable from the start of the offseason through the final roster reductions. After this period, these players are eligible for a specialized 17th practice squad spot, a provision reserved exclusively for international athletes across all 32 NFL teams, further enhancing their chances.

Since its establishment in 2017, the IPP program has demonstrated significant success in integrating international talent into the NFL. A remarkable 70 international players have signed with NFL teams through the initiative, with 22 of them currently maintaining active positions on rosters. Furthermore, 11 IPP alumni have successfully been elevated to active rosters, including notable names such as Jordan Mailata (Australia), Jakob Johnson (Germany), Efe Obada (UK), Sammis Reyes (Chile), Thomas Odukoya (Netherlands), David Bada (Germany), Charlie Smyth (Ireland), TJ Maguranyanga (Zimbabwe), Mapalo “Maz” Mwansa (UK / Zambia), CJ Okoye (Nigeria), and Haggai Ndubuisi (Nigeria). This track record highlights the program's effectiveness in fostering international football talent.