The San Francisco 49ers are heading south of the border once again. The NFC West team will return to Mexico City during the 2026 NFL season.
Videos by FanBuzz
The NFL announced the news on Wednesday and said that the 49ers will be one of two participating teams in the 2026 game at Estadio Banorte. This is part of a multi-year agreement to bring NFL games to Mexico City in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
The NFL did not announce the opposing team, the kickoff time, or the date for the game. This news will come during the schedule release in the spring.
"We're delighted to host the San Francisco 49ers once again in Mexico City for the 2026 NFL Mexico Game," said NFL Director General Arturo Olive.
"Returning to Estadio Banorte highlights our strong, ongoing commitment to Mexico. Few places generate the kind of energy we see here, and we look forward to being back in a country that plays such a meaningful role in the growth of our game."
The first "official" NFL game in Mexico City took place in 2005 and featured a battle between the Cardinals and 49ers. Nearly 100,000 fans attended at Estadio Azteca as the Cardinals won 31-14.
Official is the key word as some preseason games happened in Mexico City throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
The 49ers returned to Mexico City in 2022 for a rematch with the division rival Cardinals. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo threw four touchdown passes as the 49ers romped 38-10.
"We are thrilled to return to Mexico and to play in front of one of the most passionate fan bases in the league," said San Francisco 49ers CEO Al Guido.
"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."
The game in Mexico will be one of nine International Series events. It joins games in Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
