49ers set for historic 2026: Two international games, record travel miles
The NFL announced that the San Francisco 49ers will play a game in Mexico City in 2026, adding a second foreign country to their schedule for the season.
The San Francisco 49ers are making NFL history in 2026. The team will play two international games in a single season, traveling to Melbourne, Australia to face the Los Angeles Rams and later hosting a game in Mexico City at Estadio Banorte, marking the first time a team will play international games in different countries in non-consecutive weeks.
The 49ers will host a regular season game this season in Mexico City at Estadio Banorte, with their opponent to be announced. pic.twitter.com/QPskU7m0v5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 18, 2026
This ambitious schedule will take the 49ers across three countries and more than 38,000 travel miles, surpassing their previous record of 28,363 miles logged in 2025. The heavy travel demands raise questions about team performance, recovery, and preparation, not just for the 49ers, but for the NFL as a whole.
What we know about the 49ers’ international games
- Australia: The season will kick off with a Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, either on Wednesday, Sept. 9, or Thursday, Sept. 10. The 49ers will be the visiting team and will temporarily give up one of their nine home games for the season.
- Mexico City: The second international stop will occur in December, during Week 13 or 14, with the opponent yet to be announced. One of the 49ers’ nine home opponents - possibly the Seahawks, Cardinals, Commanders, Eagles, Vikings, Raiders, Broncos, or Dolphins - will travel to Mexico City.
The 49ers’ 2026 schedule is historic for several reasons. With over 38,000 miles of air travel, the team will face unprecedented logistical and physical challenges. . Long-distance travel, time-zone adjustments, and climate differences could impact performance, especially in late-season games when playoff races are at stake. Players and staff will need to carefully manage rest and practice schedules. Playing in two international markets boosts the 49ers’ brand and fan engagement worldwide, especially in Mexico, where the team has a strong following
This be will the third time that the Niners will travel to Mexico to play, having played in 2005 and more recently in 2022. In that game, they beat the Arizona Cardinals in convincing fashion, 38‑10, in front of a crowd heavily filled with red-and-gold supporters.
For fans in Mexico and Australia, these games offer a rare chance to see the 49ers in unique environments. Ticketing details for Mexico City will be announced once the NFL releases the full schedule in May, while fans planning to follow the team Down Under will need to plan for early-September travel.
CEO Al Guido expressed excitement about both stops.
“We are thrilled to return to Mexico and to play in front of one of the most passionate fan bases in the league… and to take our team Down Under for the first time in Australia. These are experiences that will be unforgettable for our players and fans alike.”
The 49ers’ ambitious international schedule is part of the NFL’s strategy to grow the game on a global level. Games played on foreign soil are becoming a normal part of team calendars. For the 49ers, 2026 will be a test of endurance, preparation, and fan connection on a truly international scale.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment