49ers to Play Two International Games in 2026 NFL Season

The San Francisco 49ers will face off against opponents in Mexico City and Melbourne as part of the NFL's global expansion.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The San Francisco 49ers have announced that they will play two international games during the 2026 NFL season, one in Mexico City and one in Melbourne, Australia. This is part of the league's push to expand its global reach, with the 49ers being a key part of that strategy.

Why it matters

The 49ers' international games showcase the NFL's commitment to growing the sport globally, particularly in key markets like Mexico and Australia. For the 49ers, it provides an opportunity to build their brand and fanbase internationally, while also presenting unique challenges in terms of travel and preparation.

The details

The 49ers will first travel to Mexico City to face an opponent at the newly renamed Estadio Banorte in December 2026. They will then head to Melbourne, Australia to take on the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, likely in Week 1. The 49ers have previously played in Mexico City, drawing over 103,000 fans in 2005, and are looking to reconnect with the passionate fan base there.

  • The Mexico City game is expected to be played in December 2026.
  • The Melbourne game against the Rams is likely to be in Week 1 of the 2026 season.

The players

San Francisco 49ers

An American professional football team based in the San Francisco Bay Area that competes in the National Football League (NFL).

Los Angeles Rams

An American professional football team based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area that competes in the National Football League (NFL).

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

Brock Purdy

The starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.

Christian McCaffrey

A running back for the San Francisco 49ers.

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What they’re saying

“We are delighted to bring regular‑season NFL games back to Mexico City beginning in 2026, reaffirming our deep and long‑standing connection with fans across the country. Estadio Banorte has hosted some incredibly memorable moments in our international history, and returning here underscores our commitment to growing the sport at every level in the market.”

— Arturo Olivé, NFL Mexico director General (profootballnetwork.com)

“We are thrilled to return to Mexico and to play in front of one of the most passionate fan bases in the league. 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.”

— Al Guido, 49ers CEO (profootballnetwork.com)

What’s next

The full schedule for the 2026 NFL season, including the specific opponents and dates for the 49ers' international games, will be released in the spring.

The takeaway

The 49ers' two international games in 2026 demonstrate the NFL's continued push to grow the sport globally, with the 49ers being a key part of that strategy. For the 49ers, it provides an opportunity to build their brand and fanbase internationally, while also presenting unique challenges in terms of travel and preparation.