San Francisco 49ers poised for return to Mexico

The NFL will return to Mexico in 2026, and all signs point to the San Francisco 49ers being the team to lead the return to Estadio Banorte (formerly known as the Estadio Azteca). According to ESPN’s John Sutcliffe, the Californian franchise would be designated as the home team for the regular season game that will mark the return of professional American football to the country after a four-year absence.

If confirmed, it wouldn’t be just any visit. The 49ers were one of the protagonists of the last game played in Mexico, on November 21, 2022, when they defeated Arizona 38-10. That game was the most recent before the forced pause due to the stadium’s renovation and the reconfiguration of the league’s international schedule.

An increasingly ambitious international calendar

The potential game in Mexico City would be part of a busy global schedule for the organization. San Francisco also has an international game scheduled in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams, where they will be the designated visiting team. This would allow them to avoid forfeiting an additional home game in their regular season if the game in Mexico is confirmed.

The opponent for the game at Banorte Stadium could be one of the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Miami Dolphins, or Minnesota Vikings, teams that will visit San Francisco in 2026. The official announcement is expected in the coming weeks, once the NFL releases its full schedule.

Mexico, a key piece in global strategy

The return of the official game to the Mexican capital was confirmed by Commissioner Roger Goodell during Super Bowl week, as part of a multi-year agreement that will guarantee regular season games in the country starting in 2026.

The reopening of Estadio Banorte, which will also host matches during the 2026 World Cup, represents a strategic milestone in the league’s international expansion plan. Mexico remains one of the strongest markets outside the United States, with a solid fan base and consistently high viewership among the best in the world.

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.