Who could the Cowboys face if Dallas plays an NFL game in Mexico?

The Dallas Cowboys are looking to finish out the current NFL season on a positive note, even though their playoff hopes are already over.

Dallas picked up a morale-boosting 30-23 win on Christmas Day against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium, a divisional matchup within the NFC East that at least offered some late-season pride. The Cowboys will close the schedule with a trip to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Giants before turning the page and focusing fully on improving for next season.

Jerry Jones again floats Mexico as a host site

In recent days, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones once again made it clear that he wants his team to play an international game next season. Mexico is at the top of his wish list, and Jones even said he would be willing to give up a home game to make it happen.

The Cowboys are one of the most popular NFL teams in Mexico, and their arrival would generate massive interest, not only locally but across Latin America. While no international game has been officially confirmed, Jones’ repeated public comments have given the idea real momentum.

Potential home opponents for Dallas in 2026

If the Cowboys are selected to play a “home” game abroad, these are the teams scheduled to visit AT&T Stadium during the 2026 season:

• Philadelphia Eagles
• New York Giants
• Washington Commanders
• Arizona Cardinals
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• San Francisco 49ers
• Tennessee Titans
• AFC North opponent to be determined, second-place finisher (Pittsburgh Steelers or Baltimore Ravens)
• NFC South opponent to be determined, second-place finisher (Carolina Panthers or Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

The home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals has gained the most traction as a potential Mexico game. Arizona has a notable history in Mexico City, including two appearances there.

Cowboys’ road opponents in 2026

These are the teams Dallas is scheduled to face away from home:

• Philadelphia Eagles
• New York Giants
• Washington Commanders
• Houston Texans
• Indianapolis Colts
• Los Angeles Rams
• Seattle Seahawks
• NFC North opponent to be determined, second-place finisher (Chicago Bears or Green Bay Packers)

NFL games in Mexico and what comes next

The NFL has not played a game in Mexico since November 2022, when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 38-10 in a regular-season matchup. From 2016 onward, Mexico City hosted games regularly, but renovations to the Estadio Azteca, now known as Estadio Banorte, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup forced a pause.

Earlier this year, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that Mexico City is expected to host a game in 2026, joining other international markets such as London, Germany, Brazil and Australia.

When was the first regular-season NFL game played in Mexico?

The first regular-season NFL game played outside the United States took place on Oct. 2, 2005, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The Cardinals beat the 49ers 31-14 in front of a crowd of nearly 103,000 fans.

Regular-season NFL games played in Mexico

• 2005: San Francisco 49ers 14-31 Arizona Cardinals
• 2016: Oakland Raiders 27-20 Houston Texans
• 2017: New England Patriots 33-8 Oakland Raiders
• 2019: Kansas City Chiefs 24-17 Los Angeles Chargers
• 2022: San Francisco 49ers 38-10 Arizona Cardinals

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