The San Francisco 49ers will return to Mexico City to play a regular season NFL game in December 2026, marking the league’s sixth contest held in the country and the third time the 49ers have played in Mexico. The NFL announced the game Wednesday, with the matchup and exact date to be revealed when the full 2026 schedule is released in early May.
The return to Estadio Azteca follows a four-year absence for the NFL in Mexico, with the last regular season game played there in 2022. Mexico represents the NFL’s largest market outside of the United States, boasting an estimated 40 million fans, according to the league.
This commitment extends beyond a single game; the NFL has secured a three-year contract to host a regular season game at Estadio Azteca each year through 2028. The 49ers’ selection is not accidental, reflecting the team’s historical popularity in Mexico. The team’s rise to prominence in the 1980s, led by quarterback Joe Montana, coincided with the expansion of televised NFL broadcasts in Mexico, cultivating a dedicated fanbase.
The 2026 game is part of a broader NFL international strategy that will see games played in a record nine countries. In addition to Mexico, the league will continue to host games in established international markets like England and Germany. New additions for 2026 include a second game in Spain, a third in Brazil and inaugural games in France and Australia. The 49ers will also play a regular season game in Melbourne, Australia, against the Los Angeles Rams.
Potential opponents for the 49ers in Mexico City include divisional rivals Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks. Other possibilities from within the NFC include the Denver Broncos, while potential AFC opponents are the Philadelphia Eagles, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, and Minnesota Vikings. Given the importance of the game within the playoff picture, a matchup against a divisional opponent is considered less likely, particularly with one of the 49ers’ games against the Rams already scheduled for Australia. The Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, or Miami Dolphins are currently considered the most probable opponents.