The San Francisco 49ers are poised to make NFL history in the 2026 season by embarking on an unprecedented international journey that will see them shatter the league's all-time mileage record. Having been selected to play in Mexico, the team will become only the second franchise ever to compete in two different international games within a single campaign.
A Groundbreaking Global Schedule
This historic feat follows the 49ers' allocation of the first-ever NFL game in Australia, where they will face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne. Combined with their upcoming match in Mexico City, the team is set to traverse more than 38,000 miles during the 2026 season, crossing through a staggering 54 time zones in the process.
Mexico City Showpiece at Renovated Azteca Stadium
The Mexican fixture, part of a three-year contract signed by the NFL to bring games to the country, will be held at the recently renovated Azteca Stadium, now renamed Banorte. While the specific date and opponent for this North American showcase remain undetermined, the venue is scheduled to reopen in March following extensive renovations that began in May 2024 ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The stadium's reopening will be marked by a soccer match between Mexico and Portugal, setting the stage for the 49ers' return to Mexico City. San Francisco last played there in the 2022 season, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 38-10 on a Monday night. Since 2005, when the 49ers faced the Cardinals in the NFL's first international regular-season game south of the border, the league has hosted six regular-season games in Mexico.
Record-Breaking Travel Calculations
Research from Bookies.com has detailed the extraordinary travel demands facing the 49ers. The Australia game alone requires a journey of 15,738 miles, with an additional 3,854 miles for the Mexico trip. Their remaining seven road fixtures contribute significantly to the total:
- Atlanta Falcons: 4,258 miles
- New York Giants: 5,111 miles
- Arizona Cardinals: 1,224 miles
- Kansas City Chiefs: 2,958 miles
- Seattle Seahawks: 1,412 miles
- Dallas Cowboys: 2,934 miles
- LA Chargers: 616 miles
The predicted total of 38,105 miles will surpass the previous record of 37,086 miles set by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025, cementing the 49ers' place in NFL travel lore.
Embracing a Passionate International Fanbase
49ers CEO Al Guido expressed enthusiasm about the team's return to Mexico, stating, 'We are thrilled to return to Mexico and to play in front of one of the most passionate fan bases in the league. After two unforgettable experiences in 2005 and 2022 we are excited to reunite with the Mexico faithful.'
According to the NFL office in Mexico, the 49ers rank among the most popular teams in the country, alongside the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New England Patriots. Mexico boasts a fan base of 40 million, the largest outside the United States, highlighting the significance of this international engagement.
As one of ten teams with marketing rights in Mexico under the NFL's Global Markets Program, the 49ers have a unique opportunity to expand their brand globally. This historic 2026 season not only promises record-breaking travel but also reinforces the NFL's growing international presence and the 49ers' commitment to connecting with fans worldwide.
