Chiefs Could Be Headed Back to Mexico as NFL Commits to Three-Year Return
Chiefs Kingdom might want to start brushing up on their Spanish, because there’s a strong chance Kansas City will be making a return south of the border soon. The NFL announced plans to bring regular-season games back to Mexico City, with a three-year commitment to play at Estadio Banorte starting in 2026 and continuing through 2028.
“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,” said NFL Mexico Director General Arturo Olivé.
For the Chiefs, international games are nothing new - and frankly, they’ve become something of a global ambassador for the league. Since Andy Reid took over in 2013, Kansas City has made a habit of showing up on the international stage.
They’ve played in London, Mexico, Germany, and most recently Brazil. And in most of those matchups, the Chiefs have delivered the kind of performances that keep fans tuning in across time zones.
Let’s rewind a bit, though, because Kansas City’s connection to Mexico goes deeper than some fans might realize.
August 5, 1996 - Chiefs 32, Cowboys 6 (Monterrey)
Long before international games became a staple of the NFL calendar, the Chiefs were part of one of the league’s early experiments in expanding its footprint. On a warm summer night in Monterrey, a sellout crowd of 45,000 packed the stadium to watch Kansas City dismantle the Dallas Cowboys in preseason action. Rich Gannon and Todd McNair led the offense, while the defense clamped down on Troy Aikman and a star-studded Cowboys roster, holding them to just six points.
That game also carried some behind-the-scenes intrigue. After a brutal playoff exit the previous year that saw the Chiefs’ kicking game implode, this was the first look at new options.
Roman Anderson and Bjorn Nittmo each got a half to prove themselves. Neither stuck.
Just weeks later, Kansas City would trade for Pete Stoyanovich, who went on to become a steady leg for the team.
November 19, 2018 - The Game That Got Away
Chiefs fans still remember this one - not for what happened on the field in Mexico, but for what didn’t. Kansas City was scheduled to face the Los Angeles Rams in a marquee Monday night showdown at Estadio Azteca.
Two high-powered offenses. Two MVP-caliber quarterbacks.
But Mother Nature had other plans. Heavy rains damaged the field, and the game was relocated to Los Angeles just days before kickoff.
The result? A 54-51 shootout that instantly became one of the most memorable regular-season games in NFL history. Even though it didn’t happen in Mexico, it served as a global showcase for just how electric the Chiefs - and Patrick Mahomes - could be.
November 18, 2019 - Chiefs 24, Chargers 17 (Mexico City)
One year later, the NFL got its Mexico City game - and the Chiefs got their win. The field held up this time, but Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers didn’t.
Kansas City’s offense wasn’t exactly firing on all cylinders, but the defense came up big, picking off Rivers four times. That was more than enough for Mahomes and company to secure a divisional win in front of a packed house at Estadio Azteca.
Looking Ahead: Will the Chiefs Be Back?
While the NFL has committed to returning to Mexico, there’s no official word yet on which teams will make the trip. But make no mistake - Kansas City is a prime candidate.
Even after a disappointing 6-11 season, the Chiefs remain one of the league’s marquee franchises. When Patrick Mahomes is on the field, fans tune in - whether they’re in Kansas, California, or Mexico City.
The competition for a spot in these Mexico City games will be fierce. Ten NFL teams, including the Cowboys, Broncos, Raiders, and 49ers, have been granted marketing rights in Mexico as part of the league’s global initiative. That makes it the most crowded international market in the NFL’s worldwide push.
But if the goal is to grow fandom and put on a show, the Chiefs check every box. Star power?
Check. Global recognition?
Check. A track record of delivering memorable moments on the international stage?
Absolutely.
So while nothing’s guaranteed, don’t be surprised if Chiefs fans are packing their bags - and maybe a Spanish phrasebook - for a trip to Mexico in the not-so-distant future.