The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for one of the most travel-intensive seasons in NFL history, with the franchise’s 2026 schedule adding an international game in Mexico City to their previously announced clash in Melbourne, Australia. This ambitious plan is expected to result in the 49ers traveling more than 38,100 miles over the course of the season, breaking the NFL’s all-time regular-season travel record.

New International Additions to the 49ers Schedule

The NFL has confirmed that the 49ers will be one of the teams competing in the 2026 NFL International Series. Their Mexico City game will be held at Estadio Banorte, a recently refurbished facility that had hosted several NFL games under its previous moniker. Although the opponent and specific date have not yet been revealed, this game will count as one of San Francisco’s “home games” for the season. 

This is the 49ers’ return to Mexico City since their most recent visit in 2022, when they defeated the Arizona Cardinals 38-10 in a thrilling game that drew a raucous international audience. San Francisco also played in the city in 2005, the first regular-season NFL game held outside of the United States, laying the groundwork for today’s expanded global schedule.

A Season of Unmatched Travel Demands

While most teams travel exclusively inside North America, the 49ers’ 2026 schedule is expected to take them to three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Australia. The pinnacle of this exhausting travel schedule is their first regular-season game in Melbourne versus the Los Angeles Rams. That alone accounts for around 15,700 kilometers roundtrip, an incredible adventure akin to spanning dozens of time zones.

Combined with cross-country road trips and their Mexico City home game, the entire distance is expected to exceed 38,100 miles, significantly ahead of past high-travel seasons, including the Los Angeles Chargers’ 37,086 miles in 2025. The 49ers’ extensive travel schedule makes them the only NFL organization to play two non-consecutive international games in a single season. 

Logistics and Challenges

An intensive schedule provides both opportunities and challenges. Long flights between time zones can alter circadian rhythms and put physical strain on athletes, particularly when recuperation and preparation time is restricted. Analysts and fans have already begun debating whether the 49ers’ performance will be hampered by the demands of travel, particularly during critical periods of the season.

Despite the demands, team leadership has embraced the opportunity to grow the 49ers’ brand and competitive footprint around the world. Owners and executives have expressed interest in playing in international markets, particularly in areas with large NFL fan bases, such as Mexico City.

Fan Engagement and Global Impact

For many years, the NFL has sought to expand its worldwide footprint, hosting games in Europe, Mexico, and now Australia. The Mexico City matchup extends a multi-year commitment to hosting regular-season games in the region, with a new three-year pact beginning in 2026. This expansion demonstrates the league’s dedication to engaging its largest fan base outside the United States.

Arturo Olivé, NFL Mexico’s director, emphasized the importance of the deal and the sport’s continuous growth at the grassroots level, stating that returns to Estadio Banorte give both competitive spectacle and community involvement opportunities. 

Looking Ahead

As the entire 2026 calendar is not officially released until May, elements like as opponents and specific dates will help frame the story of what might be a historic season – not just on the field, but also in terms of strategic global outreach and travel endurance. For the 49ers, the combined Mexico City and Melbourne games represent a bold age of international expansion, requiring both players and coaches to adjust to unprecedented challenges.

Whether this voyage results in exhaustion or opportunity will be determined by the scoreboard, but one thing is certain: the San Francisco 49ers are about to embark on a historic season that could redefine what it means for an NFL team to play around the world.