49ers to Play 2026 NFL Game in Mexico City, Expanding International Presence

The San Francisco 49ers will return to Mexico City to play a regular season National Football League (NFL) game in 2026, marking a significant step in the league’s international expansion strategy. The game will be played at Estadio Banorte, continuing a multi-year commitment to hosting NFL games in Mexico City in 2026, 2027, and 2028.

NFL’s Commitment to International Games

The 2026 NFL schedule will feature a record nine international games across four continents and seven countries, with Mexico City being a key component of this initiative [NFL News Release]. This demonstrates the NFL’s dedication to growing its fanbase globally.

49ers’ History in Mexico

The 49ers have a history of playing in Mexico, with previous appearances in 2005 and 2022. Their most recent game in Mexico City was a 38-10 victory against the Arizona Cardinals on “Monday Night Football” at Estadio Azteca in 2022 [49ers.com]. The 2005 game against the Cardinals was the NFL’s first-ever international regular season game played in Mexico City [49ers.com].

Game Details and Future Plans

The 49ers will be the home team for the game at Estadio Banorte in December [ESPN]. The opponent, game date, and kickoff time will be announced when the full 2026 NFL schedule is released this spring. The 49ers are one of ten teams with marketing rights in Mexico as part of the league’s Global Markets Program [NFL News Release].

Statements from Key Figures

“We’re delighted to host the San Francisco 49ers once again in Mexico City for the 2026 NFL Mexico Game,” said NFL Director General Arturo Olive [NFL News Release]. San Francisco 49ers CEO Al Guido added, “We are thrilled to return to Mexico and to play in front of one of the most passionate fan bases in the league” [NFL News Release].