49ers to Return to Mexico City for 2026 NFL Game at Estadio Banorte

Mexico City – The San Francisco 49ers will return to Mexico City to play a regular-season National Football League (NFL) game in 2026, the league announced on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The game, presented by Banorte, will be played at Estadio Banorte, formerly known as Estadio Azteca, which is currently undergoing renovations in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1].

A Three-Year Commitment to Mexico City

This game marks the first in a three-year contract between the NFL and Mexico City, guaranteeing regular-season games in 2026, 2027, and 2028 [1]. The NFL is committed to hosting a record nine international games in 2026 across four continents and seven countries [1].

49ers’ History in Mexico

The 49ers have a history of playing in Mexico City, with previous appearances in 2005 and 2022. Their most recent game in Mexico City was a 38-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football at Estadio Azteca in 2022 [2] and [3]. The 2005 game against the Cardinals marked the NFL’s first international regular-season game [2].

Fanbase and Global Markets Program

The NFL recognizes Mexico as a key international market, boasting a fanbase of 40 million – the largest outside of the United States [2]. The San Francisco 49ers are one of the most popular teams in Mexico, alongside the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New England Patriots [2]. The 49ers are also one of ten teams participating in the NFL’s Global Markets Program, which aims to expand brand awareness and fan engagement internationally [1].

Looking Ahead

The 49ers’ opponent, as well as the game date and kickoff time, will be announced when the full 2026 NFL schedule is released this spring [1]. The team is also scheduled to play the first regular-season game in Australia this season [1].

“We are thrilled to return to Mexico and to play in front of one of the most passionate fan bases in the league,” said San Francisco 49ers CEO Al Guido [3].