The San Francisco 49ers will expand their international presence in , hosting a regular season NFL game in Mexico City at Estadio Banorte. The announcement, made on Wednesday, , marks a continued commitment from the NFL to grow its fanbase in Mexico, the league’s largest international market outside of the United States.
This game is part of a three-year commitment from the NFL to regularly schedule games in Mexico City. While the opponent for the matchup remains undisclosed, the 49ers’ participation underscores their growing popularity in the region. The team has cultivated international marketing rights in Mexico, a factor that contributed to the NFL’s decision to award them this home game.
“We are delighted to bring regular‑season NFL games back to Mexico City beginning in , reaffirming our deep and long‑standing connection with fans across the country,” stated Arturo Olivé, NFL Mexico director general. “Estadio Banorte has hosted some incredibly memorable moments in our international history, and returning here underscores our commitment to growing the sport at every level in the market.”
The 49ers are no strangers to playing before international audiences. They previously played a regular season game in Mexico City in , securing a decisive 38-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on “Monday Night Football” at Estadio Azteca. Their history in Mexico dates back even further, to , when they faced the Cardinals in the NFL’s first-ever international regular season game, also held in Mexico City.
This game will require the 49ers to forfeit one of their nine scheduled home games at Levi’s Stadium. Team CEO Al Guido previously indicated that season ticket holders and sponsors had been informed of the likelihood of losing a home game due to international scheduling. The team is also scheduled to play a game in Melbourne, Australia, in against the Los Angeles Rams, further demonstrating the NFL’s push for global expansion.
The NFL’s investment in Mexico extends beyond simply hosting games. The league, alongside the 49ers, actively engages in year-round initiatives, including fan engagement programs, NFL Flag football development, and community outreach efforts. This holistic approach aims to solidify the NFL’s position as a leading sports and entertainment force in the country.
The 49ers’ connection to the Mexican fanbase is also reflected in the number of teams that share international marketing rights in the country. Alongside San Francisco, the Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers all have established marketing presences in Mexico. While the NFL isn’t obligated to schedule opponents that also hold these rights, the 49ers are slated to host several of these teams – the Raiders, Broncos, Dolphins, Rams, and Cardinals – during the season.
Fans interested in securing tickets and travel packages for the NFL Mexico City Game at Estadio Banorte can take advantage of the Priority Access deposit program offered by On Location, the NFL’s Official Hospitality Provider. Deposits are fully refundable and guarantee first choice of tickets and access to exclusive experiences. Details can be found at https://OnLocationExp.com/49ers.
The return of NFL regular season games to Mexico City is expected to generate significant excitement among fans and further strengthen the league’s foothold in a key international market. For the 49ers, it represents an opportunity to connect with their growing fanbase and showcase their brand on a global stage.
