The NFL is heading back to Mexico City in 2026, but the Pittsburgh Steelers won't be making the trip this time. Earlier this month, the league announced its return to the Mexican capital, with the San Francisco 49ers set to host the first game there since 2022. Unfortunately for Steelers fans, their team isn't on the 49ers' schedule for 2026.
The Steelers have a strong following in Mexico, bolstered by their international marketing rights in the country. They were initially expected to host a game in Mexico City, but renovations at Estadio Azteca-now known as Estadio Banorte due to sponsorship-pushed those plans back. Instead, the Steelers hosted the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland, last September.
These renovations are part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The stadium is set to reopen in March, just in time for the global soccer event.
The NFL's commitment to Mexico City isn't a one-off. The league has inked a three-year deal, opening the door for the Steelers to potentially host a game there in 2027, when they have nine home games scheduled.
The 2026 season is set to feature a record nine international games, with matchups in Mexico City, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, Melbourne, Paris, Munich, and three in London.
While the Steelers won't host in 2026-due to the NFL's alternating schedule between AFC and NFC teams-they could still play internationally as the visiting team. They have potential road games against teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars, who have international marketing rights in Brazil, Germany, and London, respectively.
If the Steelers do play abroad in 2026, it would mark their third international game in three years, setting the stage for a home game in Mexico City in 2027.
Why Mexico Matters to the Steelers
Why is Mexico such a significant market for the Steelers? Despite only 2.5% of Pittsburgh's metro area identifying as Hispanic, the team has a massive following south of the border. A 2015 Harvard Sports Analysis study revealed that the Steelers boasted over 500,000 Facebook followers from Mexico-more than some NFL teams had in the U.S. at that time.
The Steelers have been nurturing this fanbase with Spanish-language social media channels and radio broadcasts. In 2022, running back Najee Harris visited Mexico City, announcing a draft pick and hosting a youth football camp.
The team's connection to Mexico isn't new. They played a preseason game at Estadio Azteca back in 2000. Team president Art Rooney II emphasized in 2023 the importance of building on their presence in Mexico, highlighting existing television and radio agreements as key components of their strategy.
With a passionate fanbase and strategic marketing, the Steelers are eager to make their mark in Mexico once again.