Wembley Stadium is to host another regular season National Football League (NFL) game this autumn, with New Orleans Saints meeting the San Diego Chargers on October 26.

The United Kingdom will also host at least one game a year for the next three years.

The NFL was hugely impressed with the reaction in the United Kingdom to last year’s inaugural game when New York Giants met the Miami Dolphins and were eager to return, particularly as they see London ultimately as a potential city for an expansion team if they embark on plans to turn the game global.

The game between the Giants and the Dolphins last October was an 81,176 sell-out, with sources suggesting they could have sold the tickets eight times over.

Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner, made the announcement in Phoenix, where the Super Bowl is being held this weekend.

“We have great expectations for the game and the event,” Goodell said. “We think it will be great for the UK fans but also the people of New Orleans and Louisiana, and the people of San Diego and southern California.

“This is a great opportunity to go on an international platform and promote the things that are hapenning in their cities.”

The NFL has also addressed the one downside of the first game – that is was not an attacking, high-scoring points-fest - by selecting two of their most attacking teams.

Drew Brees, the Saints quarterback, is one of the best in his position in the league, while the Chargers boast all-star running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

NFL commissioner Goodell has endorsed a recommendation to play at least one game in the UK in each of the next three years.

“Playing a limited number of regular-season games internationally will help build and grow an already passionate international fan base,” he said.