The National Football League has officially named the San Francisco 49ers as one of the teams competing in the 2026 NFL game scheduled to take place in Mexico City. This event, which will be held at the renowned Estadio Banorte, is part of the NFL’s broader plan to expand its international presence and to reconnect with Mexican fans in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
This game will be among a historic total of nine international NFL contests in 2026, spread across four continents and seven different countries, featuring eight distinct stadiums. The inclusion of Mexico underscores its continuing importance in the league’s global outreach.
Leadership Comments Highlight Commitment to Mexico’s Enthusiastic Fans
Arturo Olive, NFL Director General, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming the 49ers back to Mexico City for the 2026 game. He noted,
“We’re delighted to host the San Francisco 49ers once again in Mexico City for the 2026 NFL Mexico Game,”
and added,
“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.”
San Francisco 49ers CEO Al Guido also shared excitement about reconnecting with Mexican fans, emphasizing the team’s special bond with the community. He stated,
“We are thrilled to return to Mexico and to play in front of one of the most passionate fan bases in the league,”
and continued,
“After two unforgettable experiences in 2005 and 2022 in Mexico City, we’re excited to reunite with the Mexico Faithful and look forward to the energy local fans will bring in creating a true home-field advantage for our team abroad.”
Game Details and Opponent Information Upcoming
Details about the 49ers’ opponent, as well as the exact game date and kickoff time, will be unveiled when the full 2026 NFL schedule is published in the spring. Fans eagerly await more information to plan their support for this international event.
Expanding the NFL’s International Footprint into Multiple New Cities
Alongside the 49ers’ Mexico City appearance, the 2026 NFL season will feature several notable international games. These include the San Francisco 49ers facing the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia—the league’s first game in that country—Dallas Cowboys’ debut in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the New Orleans Saints participating in Paris, France’s inaugural NFL game.
Other cities hosting NFL games in 2026 include London and Munich, with multiple contests planned in each. This broad international itinerary reflects the NFL’s ongoing strategy to reach fans worldwide and grow the sport beyond the United States.
Mexico’s Longstanding and Growing Role in NFL’s Global Strategy
The San Francisco 49ers are among 10 NFL teams with marketing rights in Mexico under the league’s Global Markets Program. This initiative supports the league’s efforts to engage fans internationally through unique events, community outreach, and commercial partnerships.
The history of NFL games in Mexico City dates back to 2005, with matches played at Estadio Banorte in 2005, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022. The NFL boasts a fanbase of approximately 40 million in Mexico—the largest outside the U.S.—highlighting the country’s importance to the league’s global footprint. With a dedicated office in Mexico City since 1998, the league continues to deepen its year-round presence through initiatives like NFL Flag youth programs and community impact projects.
Flag Football’s Growing Popularity in Mexico and Olympic Debut
Flag football, a non-contact variation of the sport, is set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. In Mexico, the NFL Flag program has been active since 2000 and is expected to engage about 3.3 million girls and boys this year, nurturing the sport’s grassroots growth and fostering future talent and fans.
History of NFL International Games and 2026 Global Host Cities
Since its first international contest, the NFL has held 62 regular-season games outside the United States. Cities such as London, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Madrid, Dublin, São Paulo, Mexico City, and Toronto have all hosted games, showcasing the league’s worldwide reach.
For 2026, the NFL will return to several established markets and introduce new ones, including:
- London, U.K. (Two games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and one at Wembley Stadium)
- Madrid, Spain (Bernabéu Stadium)
- Melbourne, Australia* (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
- Mexico City, Mexico (Estadio Banorte)
- Munich, Germany (FC Bayern Munich Arena)
- Paris, France* (Stade de France Stadium)
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil* (Maracanã Stadium)
These venues underscore the NFL’s growing international ambitions and its commitment to cultivating fan bases across diverse regions.
Opportunities for Fans to Stay Updated on International Games
Fans interested in receiving the latest updates on international NFL games scheduled for 2026 can sign up through the league’s dedicated portals. This offers a convenient way to track the latest announcements and engage with these landmark events in cities worldwide.
