The San Francisco 49ers are heading into the offseason with a bitter taste in their mouths after a disappointing early exit in the wild-card round at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. A 12-5 regular-season record was solid, but not enough to keep pace in a loaded NFC West, and certainly not the ending Kyle Shanahan and company envisioned. Now, as the team regroups and sets its sights on 2026, there’s an international twist to their upcoming campaign that adds a new layer of intrigue.
The 49ers are set to take their show on the road-way off the road, actually. San Francisco will be one of the NFL’s global ambassadors next season, playing not one, but two international games.
First up is a marquee matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, marking the league’s debut down under. But that’s not all.
The Niners will also suit up in Mexico City later in the season, serving as the designated home team in a regular-season game at Estadio Banorte-formerly known as the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The opponent for that Mexico City showdown hasn’t been revealed yet, but we’ve got a good sense of who it could be. San Francisco’s 2026 home slate includes their usual NFC West foes, as well as the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins. One of those matchups is expected to be relocated to Estadio Banorte, with the game reportedly set for December.
For the 49ers, these international games aren’t just about growing the brand-they’re about setting a tone. After falling short in the postseason, this team will be looking to reassert itself not just in the NFC West, but on a global stage. The trip to Australia against the Rams is already a high-profile showdown, and the Mexico City game adds another chance to showcase the franchise’s talent and ambition.
There’s also a competitive edge to this. Watching division rival Seattle knock them out of the playoffs should be more than enough motivation for Shanahan, Brock Purdy, and the rest of the roster. The offseason is now about more than just roster tweaks and draft boards-it’s about reigniting a fire and proving that this team is still among the NFL’s elite.
With a talented core and a head coach known for his offensive creativity, the 49ers have the tools to bounce back. Add in the opportunity to perform on an international stage, and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal season for a franchise that’s hungry to get back to the top.