49ers to Play NFL Game in Mexico City in 2026, Expanding Global Reach

The San Francisco 49ers will be the home team for an NFL game in Mexico City in 2026, the league announced Wednesday. This marks a continuation of the NFL’s commitment to expanding its international presence, with regular season games scheduled for the next three years.

A Return to Mexico City

The 49ers have a history of playing in Mexico City, with previous matchups against the Arizona Cardinals in 2005 and 2022. CEO Al Guido expressed excitement about returning, stating, “We are thrilled to return to Mexico and to play in front of one of the most passionate fan bases in the league.” He also highlighted the team’s anticipation of a “true home-field advantage” abroad.

Expanding International Games

The 2026 NFL season will feature a record nine international games across four continents: North America, South America, Europe, and Australia. Games are also planned for London, Madrid, Melbourne, Munich, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro.

Unprecedented Travel for the 49ers

The 49ers’ 2026 schedule is particularly ambitious, as they are also slated to play a game in Melbourne, Australia, against the Los Angeles Rams. This will make them the first NFL team to play multiple international games in nonconsecutive weeks. The team estimates they will travel more than 38,100 miles in 2026, potentially setting a new NFL record for travel during a regular season. The previous record was just over 37,000 miles, held by the 2025 Chargers and 2016 Rams.

NFL’s Commitment to Global Growth

NFL Director General Arturo Olive emphasized the league’s dedication to Mexico, stating, “Returning to Estadio Banorte highlights our strong, ongoing commitment to Mexico. Few places generate the kind of energy we see here, and we look forward to being back in a country that plays such a meaningful role in the growth of our game.”

The opponent, date, and time for the Mexico City game will be announced this spring when the full 2026-27 NFL schedule is released.