49ers to Play NFL Game in Mexico City vs. Possible Broncos Opponent in 2026
- The NFL’s international schedule for the 2026 season is taking shape, and the San Francisco 49ers are poised to be at the center of it.
- ESPN’s John Sutcliffe reported on February 11, 2026, that the 49ers will be the designated home team for a game at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City.
- The Mexico City game adds another layer to an already ambitious international plan for the 49ers.
The NFL’s international schedule for the season is taking shape, and the San Francisco 49ers are poised to be at the center of it. Confirmed reports indicate the team will host a game in Mexico City, and is already scheduled to play a game in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams, potentially making for an unprecedented travel schedule.
ESPN’s John Sutcliffe reported on , that the 49ers will be the designated home team for a game at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City. This follows a statement from 49ers owner Jed York earlier in the month, teasing the possibility of a game in Mexico. The team has actively cultivated a fanbase in Mexico, holding international marketing rights in the country, making it a logical choice for an international contest.
The Mexico City game adds another layer to an already ambitious international plan for the 49ers. They are also slated to face the Rams in Melbourne, Australia, in what is expected to be a Week 1 matchup. This means the 49ers will become the first NFL team to play multiple international games in nonconsecutive weeks. The Jacksonville Jaguars have played back-to-back games in London on multiple occasions, and the Minnesota Vikings played games in both Ireland and England in a single season, but those teams were able to consolidate travel into single trips. San Francisco’s schedule will require significantly more extensive travel.
The potential travel burden is substantial. If the 49ers do play in both Mexico City and Australia, they could log over miles during the regular season, surpassing the previous record of miles set by the Los Angeles Chargers and the Rams. The Rams, who are also playing a game in Australia this year, are currently estimated to travel around miles in .
The scheduling implications extend to other teams as well, particularly the Denver Broncos. Denver is set to play a road game against the 49ers in , and Mexico is the Broncos’ designated international market. This raises the possibility that the Broncos could be selected as the 49ers’ opponent in Mexico City. However, this remains speculative at this point.
The NFL plans to host a total of nine international games during the season. Beyond the 49ers’ games, the schedule currently includes: a game in Australia between the Rams and the 49ers. a game in Brazil featuring the Dallas Cowboys; a game in France between the New Orleans Saints and the Cleveland Browns; games in Germany featuring the New York Giants; and games in England featuring the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Washington Commanders. There is also potential for games in Spain involving the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, or Atlanta Falcons.
The 49ers’ willingness to serve as the home team in Mexico City underscores their commitment to expanding their international reach. CEO Al Guido stated last week that it was “safe to say the 49ers will be playing at least one international game in ,” and that the organization had already informed season ticket holders and sponsors about the potential loss of a home game due to international travel.
The logistical challenges of such an extensive international schedule are significant, but the NFL appears determined to capitalize on the growing global interest in American football. The 49ers, with their ambitious plans and dedicated fanbase, are leading the charge.