The NFL is headed back to Mexico, and the San Francisco 49ers might be packing their bags for the trip.
Owner Jed York told @ImagenSports that the #49ers “most likely” give up a home game for an international game this year. “Mexico is one of our markets.” pic.twitter.com/XXyueysRtD
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) February 2, 2026
Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that the league will resume playing regular season games in Mexico City, reestablishing a key part of the NFL’s international expansion strategy. Mexico has long been one of the league’s most passionate markets outside the U.S., and bringing games back to Estadio Azteca is a move that makes both business and football sense.
One team already preparing for the possibility? The 49ers.
CEO Jed York revealed that the organization is in discussions with the league to host one of their 2026 home games south of the border. Nothing’s official yet, but York made it clear: the Niners are eyeing Mexico City as a home away from home.
This wouldn’t be the first time the 49ers took the field in Mexico. The last NFL game played there came in 2022, when San Francisco dismantled the Arizona Cardinals, 38-10.
That night, Jimmy Garoppolo threw four touchdowns-two each to Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle-in a dominant performance that energized the crowd and showcased just how big the NFL has become in Mexico. It was the fifth regular season game held in the country since 2016.
A sixth was scheduled for 2018 but had to be relocated due to poor field conditions.
If the 49ers do return to Mexico this season, fans hoping for a repeat of that 2022 show might be in for a different kind of performance. Garoppolo is long gone, having bounced around the league in recent seasons.
Brock Purdy has since taken over the reins in San Francisco, leading the team with poise and precision. Aiyuk, who missed all of the 2025 season, is likely on his way out of the Bay.
And George Kittle-arguably the heart and soul of the offense-suffered a torn Achilles in the team’s Divisional Round loss. If the Mexico City game lands early in the schedule, it’s unlikely Kittle will be ready in time.
Still, the 49ers remain one of the league’s most compelling teams, and their presence in Mexico would be a major draw. Looking at the schedule, one potential opponent jumps out: the Las Vegas Raiders.
The two teams are set to face off in a Niners home game this season, and both franchises boast enormous fanbases in Mexico. The Raiders, back when they were in Oakland, already played two games in Mexico, making them a familiar face for fans there.
Pairing them with the 49ers in a neutral-site showdown would be a marketing slam dunk-and a football spectacle.
Beyond the Raiders, San Francisco’s 2026 slate includes matchups with the NFC East, the AFC West, the Vikings, Falcons, and Dolphins, along with their NFC West rivals. But if the league is looking for star power, history, and fan engagement, it’s hard to top a 49ers-Raiders clash on international turf.
The NFL’s return to Mexico is more than just a game-it’s a statement. And if the 49ers are part of that spotlight, expect them to embrace it fully. Whether it’s Purdy leading the charge or a new-look roster stepping into the spotlight, San Francisco will be ready to put on a show-no matter the zip code.