49ers to Mexico City! What This Means for the NFL's Future!

Get ready, Mexico City, because the San Francisco 49ers are coming back! The NFL just dropped the news that the Niners will be playing a regular-season game south of the border in 2026. This is definitely going to be a huge event for football fans both here and in Mexico.

49ers to Mexico City! What This Means for the NFL'...

While we don't know the exact date or who they'll be facing, the game is set to take place at the revamped Azteca Stadium – now sporting the new name Banorte Stadium. It's been undergoing some serious renovations since way back in May, all in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Word is it'll be ready to roll by March, with a Mexico vs. Portugal soccer match christening the new field. Talk about a grand reopening!

This game isn’t just a one-off. It’s actually the first under a new three-year agreement between the NFL and Mexico. This means we can expect more regular-season games heading to Mexico, further solidifying the NFL's international presence. Pretty cool, right?

"We are delighted to bring regular-season NFL games back to Mexico City, reaffirming our deep and long-standing connection with fans across the country," said Arturo Olivé, NFL Mexico director general. You can tell they're excited to bring the game back to their fans.

Now, this isn't the 49ers' first rodeo in Mexico City. Back in 2022, they absolutely crushed the Arizona Cardinals 38-10 on Monday Night Football at Estadio Azteca. Talk about a statement! And even before that, they participated in the league's very first international regular-season game way back in 2005. So, they’ve definitely got some history there.

“We are thrilled to return to Mexico and to play in front of one of the most passionate fan bases in the league,” 49ers CEO Al Guido said in a statement. "After two unforgettable experiences in 2005 and 2022, we are excited to reunite with the Mexico faithful." It's clear the team values its connection with its Mexican fans.

And it's easy to see why. The 49ers are apparently one of the most beloved teams in Mexico, right up there with the Cowboys, Steelers, and Patriots. With a staggering 40 million fans, Mexico represents the NFL's largest fan base outside of the good ol’ USA. That's a lot of jerseys!

The 49ers are also one of ten teams with marketing rights in Mexico as part of the NFL's Global Markets Program, which lets them expand their brand beyond U.S. borders. Smart move. And get this: the Mexico City game will actually be the 49ers' *second* international game this season! They're also scheduled to play the very first regular-season NFL game in Australia. So, it’s safe to say they’re going global this year.