Imagine the roar of a packed stadium, but instead of Levi's Stadium, it's thousands of miles away in a vibrant international city. That's the future the San Francisco 49ers are eyeing, and owner Jed York is spilling the beans. In a recent interview, York revealed that the 49ers are highly likely to play a home game abroad during the 2026 regular season, marking a record-breaking nine international games for the NFL. But here's where it gets interesting: while most teams are already paired with their international destinations, two cities—Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro—are still up for grabs. And this is the part most people miss: York made it crystal clear that Mexico is at the top of his list.
During the Super Bowl media week, York shared, “For us, Mexico is one of our markets. We will most likely give up a home game this season to play abroad, and Mexico is always No. 1 on my list.” This wouldn’t be the 49ers’ first rodeo in Mexico City. In 2022, they dominated the Arizona Cardinals with a 38-10 victory, and they also made history in 2005 by hosting the NFL’s first international regular-season game—against the Cardinals again.
But here’s where it gets controversial: the NFL has granted marketing rights in Mexico to ten teams, including the 49ers, Cowboys, Broncos, and Rams. With the Rams already headed to Melbourne, Australia, the real battle for Mexico City likely comes down to the Cowboys vs. the 49ers. Both teams have strong brands, but the 49ers’ history in Mexico and their impressive 7-2 away record last season could tip the scales in their favor.
Some fans might grumble about losing a home game, but let’s be real—the 49ers have proven they can thrive on the road. Plus, an international game isn’t just about the win; it’s about growing the fan base and expanding the NFL’s global footprint. But does this strategy hurt the team’s performance? And how will the scheduling impact their season? These are the questions that matter most.
So, what’s your take? Would you travel to Mexico City to see the 49ers play? Does giving up a home game for an international audience benefit or harm the team? Let’s spark some debate—share your thoughts in the comments below!
