49ers Reportedly Eyeing Second International Game in Mexico

ESPN correspondent says the 49ers could play a game at Estadio Banorte in 2026.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 11:15pm by Ben Kaplan

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According to ESPN's John Sutcliffe, the San Francisco 49ers are reportedly in talks to play a game in Mexico City during the 2026 NFL season. This would mark the 49ers' second international game that year, as the team is already set to face the Los Angeles Rams in a regular-season matchup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.

Why it matters

The 49ers have played in Mexico before, facing the Arizona Cardinals at Estadio Azteca in 2021. Expanding the NFL's international footprint is a key priority for the league, and a second 49ers game in Mexico would build on the team's existing fanbase in the country.

The details

According to ESPN's Mexico-based correspondent John Sutcliffe, the 49ers will participate in a game at Estadio Banorte, formerly known as Estadio Azteca, in Mexico City during the 2026 NFL season. No official date has been set, but this would mark the 49ers' second international game that year after they were previously announced to be playing the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

  • The 49ers previously played a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City in 2021.
  • The NFL announced the international game schedule for the 2026 season earlier this month.

The players

San Francisco 49ers

A professional American football team based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

John Sutcliffe

An ESPN correspondent based in Mexico City who reported on the potential 49ers game in Mexico.

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What they’re saying

“San Francisco will participate in a game at Estadio Banorte, formerly Estadio Azteca, in the upcoming season.”

— John Sutcliffe, ESPN Correspondent (X)

What’s next

The NFL has not yet officially confirmed the 49ers' second international game in Mexico for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The 49ers' potential second international game in Mexico would build on the team's existing fanbase in the country and the NFL's continued efforts to expand its global reach.