The 49ers may be heading overseas or possibly down south for a 2026 international game.
The San Francisco 49ers could be heading overseas again in 2026, as the franchise appears increasingly likely to take part in the NFL’s expanding international slate.
Team owner Jed York recently indicated the organization will “most likely” give up a home game next season to play abroad, continuing the league’s push to grow the sport globally while putting one of its marquee teams on a worldwide stage.
Mexico City sits at the top of York’s wish list. The 49ers have longstanding ties to Mexico as part of the NFL’s global marketing program, and York emphasized the region remains a priority market for the organization.
The league also confirmed it will return to Mexico City in 2026 after a brief hiatus, immediately making it one of the most logical landing spots for San Francisco.
Historically, the 49ers have strong connections there. They participated in the NFL’s first-ever regular-season international game in 2005, defeating the Arizona Cardinals at Estadio Azteca.
Their most recent international appearance also came in Mexico City in 2022, where they again beat Arizona in front of a passionate crowd.
With the NFL confirming a return to Mexico City in 2026 as part of a multi-year agreement, the possibility of a third appearance for the 49ers feels realistic.
Still, competition for that game could complicate matters. Several NFC teams hold marketing rights in Mexico, including Dallas, Arizona and the Los Angeles Rams.
The Cowboys, despite historically being reluctant to sacrifice home games, have recently indicated they might consider it for Mexico City.
That uncertainty leaves the door open for other international locations.
One of the more intriguing possibilities surfaced thanks to fullback Kyle Juszczyk. During a recent conversation with NBC Sports Bay Area, he hinted that Australia could be in play.
The NFL has already confirmed its first regular-season game in Melbourne, with the Rams serving as the home team at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
If the 49ers were selected as the Rams’ opponent, they could play overseas without sacrificing a home game a scenario that would likely appeal to both the organization and its fan base.
Juszczyk stopped short of confirming anything, but his comments added fuel to speculation that the matchup could even kick off the 2026 season.
For now, the destination remains uncertain. Mexico City still makes the most sense historically and commercially, but Australia represents an exciting new frontier for the league.
Either way, the 49ers seem poised to become a key part of the NFL’s continued global expansion, bringing one of football’s most recognizable brands to an international audience once again.