There’s no doubt that, after the United States, Mexico has the largest number of NFL fans. After four years, the league is back at the newly renamed Estadio Banorte (formerly Estadio Azteca), which is being renovated for the upcoming FIFA World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer.
Although the San Francisco 49ers will also play in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams, they will have a second international game in Mexico City. This marks the third time in their history that the 49ers return to Estadio Banorte, after their appearances in 2005 and most recently in 2022 when they faced the Arizona Cardinals.
While the official opponent and exact date have not yet been announced, this will be a regular-season game. The NFL has signed an agreement to play games in Mexico in 2026, 2027, and 2028, reaffirming the importance of the Mexican market.
Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders won’t be in CDMX
With the San Francisco 49ers confirmed as the home team at Estadio Banorte next season, questions have already begun about which team will face Kyle Shanahan’s squad in Mexico City. For now, ESPN reports that the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders have been completely ruled out.
This is a blow to Mexico City fans, as the Broncos are currently an attractive team, having finished as the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and they have Bo Nix, entering his third year. The Raiders, despite being the worst team in the NFL, will have Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 pick in the upcoming Draft, plus a team with strong tradition among Mexican fans.
ESPN indicates that the most likely opponents for the 49ers in Mexico are the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, or Arizona Cardinals. The Rams might be the most attractive option, especially due to their NFC West rivalry with San Francisco, although the Seahawks, Commanders, and Vikings-who will also visit the 49ers-cannot be ruled out.
No matter the opponent, Mexican fans are thrilled that the San Francisco 49ers will be the home team in Mexico City. The 49ers are a team with deep tradition among Mexican fans, though the “cherry on top” would have been the Dallas Cowboys, the most popular team in Mexico-but they chose to play in Brazil instead.
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