Colts v Commanders NFL London 2026: A Deep Dive into Two Historic NFL Franchises

The Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders will go head-to-head at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 4th October 2026, as the NFL returns to London for the first of three regular-season games in the capital this autumn.

With five Super Bowl victories between them, more than 160 years of combined franchise history and some of American football’s greatest players having represented both teams, this fixture brings together two established NFL franchises looking to secure an important regular-season victory.

For British NFL fans, the contest presents a rare opportunity to experience the excitement of American football without crossing the Atlantic. Here is a closer look at the two franchises, their history, key players and what supporters can expect when they meet in North London.

Indianapolis Colts: From Baltimore to Super Bowl Glory

The Indianapolis Colts are one of the NFL’s most established franchises, with a history stretching back to 1953, when the team began competing as the Baltimore Colts.

Quarterback Johnny Unitas helped establish the franchise as a major force in American football, leading Baltimore to consecutive NFL Championships in 1958 and 1959. Their 23-17 overtime victory against the New York Giants in the 1958 Championship Game became known as The Greatest Game Ever Played, helping introduce professional American football to a much wider television audience.

Baltimore subsequently won another NFL Championship in 1968 before securing its first Super Bowl triumph in January 1971, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 16-13. The franchise relocated to Indianapolis in 1984, beginning a new chapter that would eventually produce another period of remarkable success.

Peyton Manning and the Colts’ Second Super Bowl

The arrival of quarterback Peyton Manning as the first overall selection in the 1998 NFL Draft transformed Indianapolis into regular championship contenders. Manning established an exceptional partnership with wide receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, helping the Colts develop one of the league’s most effective offences.

Under Head Coach Tony Dungy, Indianapolis secured its second Super Bowl victory in February 2007, defeating the Chicago Bears 29-17 in Super Bowl XLI. Manning was named the game’s Most Valuable Player, while Dungy became the first Black head coach to win a Super Bowl.

The Colts returned to the NFL’s biggest stage in February 2010, losing 31-17 against the New Orleans Saints. Indianapolis has continued its pursuit of another championship in the years since.

Indianapolis Colts in 2026: Jonathan Taylor Leads the Attack

The Colts have endured a challenging start to the 2026 campaign, suffering defeats against the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs in their opening two fixtures.

However, Indianapolis demonstrated its attacking capabilities during a narrow 33-30 overtime defeat against Kansas City, with running back Jonathan Taylor recording 92 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Taylor remains central to the Colts’ offence, combining explosive acceleration with the ability to break through defensive lines and create scoring opportunities.

Quarterback Daniel Jones will also have an important role to play in London, with tight end Tyler Warren and wide receivers Josh Downs and Alec Pierce providing options in the passing game. Finding the right balance between Taylor’s rushing threat and Jones’ passing attack will be crucial as Indianapolis attempts to overcome Washington’s defence.

Washington Commanders: Five Championships and a Rich NFL History

The Washington Commanders have an even longer history than their opponents, having originally been established in Boston in 1932. The franchise relocated to Washington in 1937, securing its first NFL Championship that same year before winning another title in 1942.

However, Washington’s greatest period of success came during the 1980s and early 1990s, when Head Coach Joe Gibbs guided the franchise to three Super Bowl victories.

Washington defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-17 in Super Bowl XVII, with running back John Riggins producing a memorable 43-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter.

The franchise secured another championship in Super Bowl XXII, defeating the Denver Broncos 42-10 as Doug Williams became the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl.

Gibbs completed his hat-trick in January 1992, when Washington defeated the Buffalo Bills 37-24 in Super Bowl XXVI. The franchise subsequently experienced a lengthy period without another Super Bowl appearance before officially adopting the Washington Commanders name in 2022.

Washington Commanders in 2026: Can They Recapture Their 2024 Form?

Washington’s recent resurgence has been shaped by quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was selected second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Daniels enjoyed an exceptional rookie season, throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns as Washington finished with a 12-5 record and advanced to the NFC Championship Game.

However, the Commanders were unable to replicate that success in 2025, finishing with a 5-12 record. Washington has also endured a difficult opening to the 2026 campaign, losing against the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.

Their defeat against Dallas was compounded by an injury to Daniels, who suffered a dislocated left elbow. His availability for the London fixture remains uncertain, with experienced quarterback Marcus Mariota providing an alternative.

Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the Commanders possess considerable receiving talent. Terry McLaurin remains one of Washington’s most reliable attacking players, while Stefon Diggs has made an encouraging start to his Commanders career, recording three receiving touchdowns across the opening two games.

Their ability to create scoring opportunities against the Indianapolis secondary could be crucial when the two franchises meet in London.

Colts v Commanders: Key Battles to Watch

One of the most important contests will take place between Jonathan Taylor and Washington’s defensive front. If Indianapolis establishes an effective rushing game, it could create additional opportunities for Jones to exploit the Commanders’ secondary.

Washington will also look towards McLaurin and Diggs to challenge Colts cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward. Their ability to create separation and produce explosive plays could prove important to the Commanders’ offensive approach.

Meanwhile, Indianapolis defensive linemen DeForest Buckner and Laiatu Latu will look to disrupt Washington’s passing attack by applying pressure against the Commanders’ offensive line.

Colts v Commanders: Previous Meetings

The two franchises last met on 30th October 2022, when Washington secured a dramatic 17-16 victory at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Indianapolis led 16-7 during the fourth quarter, but Washington produced a late comeback, with quarterback Taylor Heinicke scoring the winning touchdown on a one-yard run with just 22 seconds remaining.

Their upcoming meeting in London will be the first between the franchises in almost four years, with both teams now featuring significantly different personnel.

Colts v Commanders Set to Open NFL London 2026

The Colts and Commanders will open the 2026 NFL London series at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 4th October, before the Philadelphia Eagles face the Jacksonville Jaguars at the same venue on Sunday 11th October. The London schedule concludes at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 18th October, when the Houston Texans take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With two historic franchises meeting in North London and both teams looking to build momentum during the early stages of the regular season, Colts v Commanders promises to be an intriguing opening fixture for NFL London 2026.

Fans looking to attend the game can explore Indianapolis Colts v Washington Commanders Hospitality Packages, while hospitality options for all three games are available on our NFL London Hospitality Packages page.

Colts v Commanders NFL London 2026 FAQs

When is Indianapolis Colts v Washington Commanders taking place in London?

The Indianapolis Colts will face the Washington Commanders on Sunday 4th October 2026 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 2:30pm BST.

How many Super Bowls have the Indianapolis Colts won?

The Indianapolis Colts franchise has won two Super Bowls, defeating the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V in January 1971 and the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI in February 2007.

How many Super Bowls have the Washington Commanders won?

The Washington Commanders franchise has won three Super Bowls, securing victories in Super Bowls XVII, XXII and XXVI under Head Coach Joe Gibbs.

When did the Colts and Commanders last play each other?

The franchises last met on 30th October 2022, when Washington secured a dramatic 17-16 victory at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Have the Indianapolis Colts played in London before?

Yes. The Indianapolis Colts previously played in London in October 2016, when they faced the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium. Their meeting with the Washington Commanders in October 2026 will therefore mark the franchise’s return to London ten years after its previous appearance.