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49ers Named Home Team for 2026 Mexico City Game in NFL’s Record International Slate

The designation sets up a rare two‑continent itinerary for San Francisco, with specifics to follow at the spring schedule release.

Overview

  • League officials confirmed San Francisco will host at Mexico City’s Estadio Banorte in December under a 2026–2028 commitment, with opponent and kickoff to be announced this spring.
  • The assignment gives the 49ers two international games in 2026, pairing Mexico City with a previously announced matchup against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
  • The Melbourne game has been reported as a potential Week 1 opener to ease logistics, though the exact date will be finalized with the full schedule.
  • San Francisco will cede a Bay Area home date for the Mexico game, its first international home concession since 2010.
  • Team travel is projected around 38,000 miles for 2026, a potential NFL record, and players have voiced concerns about health, recovery and competitive impact from the long-haul trips.