According to reports from sources close to the league, the NFL is planning its triumphant return to Mexico for late November 2026 with a high-profile matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Miami Dolphins. The venue for this highly anticipated clash would be the renovated Estadio Banorte, a facility that has undergone extensive renovations to meet the standards of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game, which according to journalist Jennifer Lee Chan would tentatively be played on Sunday, November 22, 2026, would be part of the rotation of the league's so-called 'Game 17'. Under this scheme, the 49ers would act as the home team against an American Conference rival, solidifying their status as one of the most popular franchises with the largest marketing rights in the country. The Miami Dolphins is shaping up as the rival for the San Francisco 49ers for the 2026 season game that will mark the NFL's return to the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Although the organization already has extensive international experience in London, Germany, and Spain, its only precedent on Mexican soil dates back to a preseason game in 1997 against the Denver Broncos. With an estimated fan base of 40 million in the country, the choice of these two franchises seeks to capitalize on the passion of a venue that has proven key to the league's global expansion. Although official confirmation from the NFL is still pending, all internal projections point to this duel being one of the most significant events on the 2026 international calendar. For the Miami Dolphins, this trip represents a historic opportunity for reconnection, as it would mark their first official regular-season game in Mexico. After an absence of more than three years that left a void among Mexican fans, professional American football is ready to reclaim its place of honor in the country. However, sources indicate that the Florida team will arrive in the midst of a drastic rebuilding process, having made a significant overhaul of its roster. Meanwhile, the 49ers are already profiling their logistics to face the local physical conditions, even contemplating altitude training in Colorado Springs to better adapt to the Mexico City environment.
