49ers returning to Mexico City for second international game of 2026 NFL season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The 49ers will play a second regular-season game outside the United States during the 2026 season, the NFL announced on Wednesday.
The 49ers will be one of the participating teams in the league’s return to Mexico City against an undetermined opponent.
“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 in Mexico City, we’re excited to reunite with the Mexico faithful and look forward to the energy local fans will bring in creating a true home-field advantage for our team abroad.”
Previously, the 49ers were announced as the opponent against the Los Angeles Rams for the inaugural game in Australia.
The 49ers will take part in two of the NFL’s nine international games scheduled for the 2026 season.
The 49ers are designated the home team for the game in Mexico City, while the Rams are the home team for the game in Melbourne, Australia. San Francisco will play eight games at Levi’s Stadium, seven true road games and two international games to comprise its 17-game regular season schedule.
The 49ers’ opponent in Mexico City, as well as the date and kickoff time, will be announced when the full schedule is released in the spring, according to the NFL.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced two weeks ago that the game in Mexico City would take place in December. But there are suggestions the game could take place as early as Sunday, Nov. 22.
Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, now renamed Estadio Banorte, is being renovated in connection with the FIFA World Cup coming to North America this year.
The 49ers lost to the Arizona Cardinals, 31-14, in front of 103,467 fans in the first game in Mexico City in 2005. San Francisco returned to Mexico City in 2022, and defeated Arizona 38-10.
The date and time for the 49ers-Rams game at Melbourne Cricket Ground will be announced at a later date, too, but the expectation is that the key NFC West matchup will take place in Week 1 of the regular season.