NFL Mexico game 2022: date, time and which teams are playing
With the Cardinals holding a clear lead in the head-to-head, the 49ers will be looking to put on a show in Mexico.
The NFL will be taking its show on the road once again this year and this time, we’ve got a game in Mexico City, but who’s playing and when? Let’s find out!
49ers vs Cardinals in Mexico City has a history
Mexican NFL fans are all aflutter with the showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals just around the corner. Monday Night Football heads south of the border in week 11, with Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca hosting this clash between two of the league’s more recognizable teams. This brings a full circle to the proceedings, since these two teams played each other in this very venue during the NFL’s very first regular-season international game back on October 2nd, 2005.
At that time, the game drew a then record crowd of 103,467 and featured rookie quarterback Alex Smith making his NFL debut. Smith, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft that year, replaced 49ers’ starting quarterback Tim Rattay in the fourth quarter of the team’s 31-14 loss. Indeed, on the day, the 49ers scored two defensive touchdowns in the first seven minutes of the game and never scored again. Cardinals fans will of course be quick to remind doubters, that their team has won eight of the previous 11 head-to-head meetings against the 49ers, including both games last season.
Where do the 49ers and Cardinals stand right now?
As they prepare for their date with destiny in Azteca, the 49ers will be weighing spending this week preparing for the high altitude by training in Denver. This is something of a tradition, with one team in each of the past three Mexico City games spending time in Colorado before heading down to Benito Juárez Airport. The Cardinals on the other hand, are enjoying some time at home after their tough win over the Rams. A bit banged up after a grinding schedule, there are questions marks around Kyler Murray and they will go into the game without tight end Zach Ertz.
When is the 49ers vs Cardinals in Mexico City?
The San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals will butt heads on Monday Night Football, next week, November 21st, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET. The 49ers most definitely stand to benefit from this fixture this year, as brings the balance of their 17-game schedule to their favor, featuring nine home games, seven true road games and now one neutral-site faceoff in Mexico’s capital city. A vast improvement on last season’s extensive travel regime.