The NFL confirmed the San Francisco 49ers as the home team for a regular season game at Azteca-Banorte Stadium in Mexico City in 2026. The opponent will be revealed with the full schedule in spring. This marks the league's return to Mexico under a multi-year agreement.
The NFL announced that the San Francisco 49ers will play a regular season home game at the renovated Azteca-Banorte Stadium in Mexico City during the 2026 season. This matchup is part of a record international series of nine games across four continents and signals the league's return to Mexico following renovations for the 2026 World Cup.
The opponent has not been officially named and will be revealed with the full schedule in spring. Based on the 49ers' designated away opponents for 2026, possible visitors include the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Commanders, Miami Dolphins, and Minnesota Vikings. A Sports Illustrated analysis highlights the Vikings as a top candidate, as they have an away game against the 49ers. Excluding divisional matchups reduces the list to Vikings, Broncos, Raiders, Dolphins, Eagles, and Commanders. The Raiders are noted as an appealing option due to their Latin fanbase and potential ties to players with Hispanic roots.
Arturo Olivé, NFL Mexico's general director, stated: “We are thrilled to bring regular season NFL games back to Mexico City starting in 2026, reaffirming our deep and lasting connection with fans across the country.” He added that the Azteca-Banorte Stadium has been pivotal in the league's international history and underscores commitment to growing the sport in Mexico. The NFL secured a multi-year deal for games in Mexico in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
The 49ers have prior experience at the venue: in 2005, they lost 31-14 to the Cardinals in the NFL's first international regular season game, and in 2022, they won 38-10 on Monday Night Football. Franchise CEO Al Guido said: “We are excited to return to Mexico and play in front of one of the league's most passionate fanbases.” Player George Kittle posted a social media story with a Nacho Libre sticker, hinting at the trip. Owner Jed York noted Mexico as his top choice for international games.
Previously, the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals were considered alternatives, but the Cowboys are set for Brazil in 2026, and the 49ers were chosen. Mexico has hosted six official NFL games since 2005.
