NFL Goes Global: Mexico City Returns to the 2026 Playbook
Football fans south of the border, get your jerseys ready. The NFL is officially heading back to Mexico City. After a brief hiatus, the league confirmed on Monday that regular-season action will return to the iconic Estadio Azteca (currently known as Estadio Banorte) starting in the 2026 season.
But this isn’t just a one-and-done trip. Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league office have committed to a three-year run, ensuring games in Mexico City through the 2028 season. It’s a massive win for a fanbase that has been hungry for live action since the last game there in 2022.
The NFL’s International Passport Is Getting Full
Mexico City isn’t the only destination getting a stamp on its passport. The league is executing a full-blown international blitz in 2026, scheduling a record-breaking nine games outside the United States.
If you thought the London games were a lot, wait until you see the full itinerary. Here is where the NFL is planting its flag in 2026:
- Mexico City, Mexico: Estadio Banorte
- London, U.K.: Three games (Venues TBD)
- Munich, Germany: FC Bayern Munich Arena
- Madrid, Spain: Bernabéu Stadium (Real Madrid’s home turf)
- Paris, France: Stade de France (Featuring the New Orleans Saints)
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Maracanã Stadium
- Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne Cricket Ground (Featuring the Los Angeles Rams)
That’s four continents, seven countries, and eight different stadiums. It’s not just a schedule; it’s a world tour.
Estadio Banorte: A History Of High Altitude and High Decibels
Returning to Estadio Banorte is a no-brainer for the league. If you’ve ever watched a game broadcast from there, you know the energy is electric. It’s loud, it’s passionate, and the altitude (over 7,200 feet above sea level) adds a chaotic variable that kickers love and defensive linemen absolutely hate.
Arturo Olivé, the NFL Mexico Director General, put it best: “Estadio Banorte has hosted some incredibly memorable moments in our international history, and returning here underscores our commitment to growing the sport at every level in the market.”
The renovation of the stadium was a key factor in the pause of games, but with the upgrades nearing completion, the stage is set for a massive NFL return.
Who Will Make the Trip?
While we know the where and when, the who is still a bit of a mystery for the Mexico City matchup. However, we can make some educated guesses based on the NFL’s Global Markets Program.
Ten teams currently hold marketing rights in Mexico, making them prime candidates to host:
- Arizona Cardinals
- Dallas Cowboys
- Denver Broncos
- Houston Texans
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Rams
- Miami Dolphins
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- San Francisco 49ers
Given the massive Cowboys and Steelers fanbases in Mexico, either of those squads would turn the stadium into a frenzy.
The Bigger Picture: Football’s Global Takeover
Goodell hasn’t been shy about his ambitions. He’s previously stated a goal of having all 32 teams play at least one international game on a rotating basis. With the 2026 slate expanding to nine games, we are inching closer to a reality where waking up for football means checking time zones in Europe, South America, and Australia.
“It’s the ambition we have to be a global sport, but it’s also the demand we’re having,” Goodell said. For now, fans in Mexico can rest easy knowing that fútbol americano is coming home.
