Nov 9, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) throws during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium.

The Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders headline the NFL's final international game of the 2025 season, and it's a battle of underperforming teams looking to keep their playoff hopes afloat.

Both squads have dealt with plenty of turmoil through the 2025 season. The Dolphins have navigated Tyreek Hill's injury, the 2025 trade deadline, the firing of general manager Chris Grier and some ill-received comments from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, resulting in a disappointing 3-7 record.

The top-heavy AFC East means the division is out of reach for Miami entering Week 11, with the playoffs also a longshot. Any last-ditch efforts at a playoff push will start with a win in Madrid vs. the Commanders.

The Commanders (3-7) have also endured a nightmarish season, a result of two major storylines: The underperforming defense has been one, while the health of Jayden Daniels has been another.

Daniels is set to miss the international tilt as he recovers from an elbow injury he suffered in Week 9. The ailment, sustained on his left (non-throwing) arm, ended up looking much worse than it actually was. Daniels avoided an IR stint, but its his third different injury this season.

One team will get its fourth win and keep their playoff hopes on life support in Madrid, while another will have a long, long plane ride home with an L on the mind. USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights and more from the Dolphins-Commanders game below. All times are Eastern.

Watch the Dolphins vs. Commanders Madrid game with Fubo (free trial)

End of first quarter: Dolphins, Commanders tied

Miami moved the ball well against Washington's defense in the first quarter, but it only resulted in 3 points after a few penalties doomed them. The Commanders tied it late with a field goal of their own. It's all tied up entering the second quarter.

Dolphins-Commanders score: Matt Gay hits 26-yard field goal to tie

After the false start pushed the Commanders back five yards, Dan Quinn instead opted for a chip-shot field goal for the tie. It's 3-3 with time winding down in the first.

Score: Dolphins 3, Commanders 3

Referee Shawn Smith calls false start in Spanish

Not only is the game in Madrid international, but it's also multilingual. Referee Shawn Smith found an opportunity to call a Commanders false start in Spanish, and he did just that. We'd grade his delivery a C+, but definitely an A+ for effort.

Commanders convert fourth down early

Marcus Mariota found tight end Colson Yankoff for a short gain on fourth down to push them to midfield. An interesting gamble in the early goings for Dan Quinn and Co.

Marcus Mariota takes field for injured Jayden Daniels

Mariota, the veteran passer, is again stepping in to start for the injured Daniels. Daniels isn't on IR, meaning he could return as soon as Week 12.

Dolphins-Commanders score: Riley Patterson hits 46-yard FG

The Dolphins were aiming to convert a fourth-and-short opportunity, but were flagged for a delay of game. Instead, they settled for a Patterson field goal to put them up 3-0 early in the first quarter.

Score: Dolphins 3, Commanders 0

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins take the field in Madrid

The first-ever game in Spain is underway as the Dolphins receive the opening kickoff. They will start from their own 20-yard line.

NFL Madrid game starts with moment of silence for Paul Tagliabue

The former NFL commissioner died on Nov. 9 at the age of 84. Tagliabue is widely credited for his help to expand the NFL into a global enterprise.

What time is the Dolphins vs. Commanders game today?

  • Start time: 9:30 a.m. ET | 3:30 p.m. local

The Dolphins-Commanders game is scheduled for kickoff at 9:30 a.m. ET, the customary start time for international matchups. The game will take place in Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain.

Who are the announcers for the NFL Madrid game?

Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma, part of Fox's usual NFL rotation, are calling the game in Madrid.

Has the NFL ever had a game in Spain?

The NFL has never played a game in Spain prior to the 2025 season. It's the fifth NFL game to be played in a Spanish-speaking country; the prior four were held in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, most recently in 2022.

How to watch the Dolphins vs. Commanders game

  • TV channel: NFL Network

NFL Network will carry the Dolphins-Commanders Week 11 matchup.

Where is the Dolphins-Commanders game today?

  • Location: Madrid, Spain
  • Venue: Bernabeu Stadium (home of Real Madrid F.C.)

For the NFL's foray into Espana, the league couldn't have picked a better venue. Bernabeu Stadium, home of iconic soccer club Real Madrid, plays host to the game.

The venue underwent significant upgrades in 2024, allowing for the game to take place here.

Dolphins vs. Commanders stream

  • Live stream: Fubo | NFL+

For viewers looking to live stream the event, Fubo carries NFL Network and will broadcast the game. NFL+, the league's proprietary streaming service, will also carry the game.

Watch the Dolphins vs. Commanders Madrid game with Fubo (free trial)

Dolphins inactives vs. Commanders

No surprises on the Dolphins inactives list today vs. Washington. Those hoping for a QB change in Miami will have to wait, as Quinn Ewers is the team's emergency third quarterback:

Commanders inactives today vs. Dolphins

The Commanders will again be without Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin. Here's the rest of the list for their international tilt:

Dolphins vs. Commanders prediction

A neutral site makes this game as near a toss-up as it can be without it being a toss-up in the books. The Dolphins get the benefit of having their starting quarterback healthy, but these teams are about as evenly matched as it gets. Give the Dolphins the lean in this matchup if only for that reason.

Prediction: Dolphins 24, Commanders 20

When will Jayden Daniels return?

Daniels remains out for the Commanders' Week 11 game against the Miami Dolphins. The two teams will face off in Madrid, and two Hawaiian quarterbacks will start against each other for the second time this season – Tua Tagovailoa for the Dolphins and Mariota for the Commanders.

Washington's former No. 2 overall pick suffered a dislocated left (non-throwing) elbow in the final moments of the team's Week 9 "Sunday Night Football" loss to the Seattle Seahawks. According to reporting from Glazer of Fox Sports and Rapoport of NFL Network, Daniels avoided major ligament damage in his elbow and will avoid both surgery and a stint on injured reserve.

What happened to Tyreek Hill?

Hill suffered a gruesome knee injury in the Dolphins' Week 4 win over the New York Jets. Hill caught a 10-yard pass during the second half and his leg was twisted up while being tackled going out of bounds.

Hill was later diagnosed with a dislocated left knee and multiple torn ligaments, including his ACL. He underwent successful surgery on the knee on Sept. 30.

Dolphins vs. Commanders injury report

Dolphins vs. Commanders live betting odds, moneyline, O/U

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dolphins vs. Commanders live updates: Score, highlights, how to watch NFL Madrid game

Reporting by Joe Rivera, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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