The San Francisco 49ers are set to be the "home" team for the NFL's 2026 game in Mexico. Initially, there was speculation that the Denver Broncos might be their opponents, given that both teams are on the Niners' schedule and share marketing rights in Mexico.
However, ESPN's Maico Pasquel has clarified that the Broncos won't be making the trip to Mexico next season. Instead, the 49ers will face one of these teams: the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, or Los Angeles Rams.
Interestingly, the Rams are already scheduled to host the 49ers in Australia this fall. This setup could mean that neither team gains a true home-field advantage in their division series, adding an intriguing layer to their rivalry.
The NFL's unbalanced 17-game schedule means the AFC and NFC alternate between hosting eight or nine home games each season. This year, the NFC enjoys nine home games, while next season, the AFC will take its turn.
As for the Broncos, they're slated to "host" an international game by the 2028 season. It would be strategic for them to do so in a year when they have an "extra" home game. Given that Mexico is their designated international market, we might see the Broncos heading south of the border as soon as the 2027 season.