Mexico City, December 12, 2025 – The NFL is heading back to Mexico City for a regular season game in December 2026, Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Monday, promising a thrilling experience for fans as the stadium undergoes renovations for the upcoming World Cup.
A Return to the Aztec Stadium
The NFL will play a regular season game in Mexico City in December 2026, marking a return to a passionate football market.
- The NFL will play a regular season game in Mexico City in December 2026.
- The game will be held at the Banorte Stadium.
- The league has scheduled nine international games for the 2026 season, including a first-time game in Paris.
- Additional international games are planned for Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Munich, Madrid, and London.
- The NFL has a multi-year agreement to play games in Mexico City through 2028.
“We’re going back to Mexico City in December, which I think is wonderful for our fans in Mexico,” Goodell said. “They are remodeling the stadium for the World Cup. This will be an opportunity to return there in December. We are very excited.”
What is the NFL doing to expand its global reach? The NFL is significantly increasing its international presence, scheduling nine games across four continents for the 2026 season. This strategic move aims to tap into growing fan bases and broaden the league’s appeal beyond the United States.
The match will be played at the Banorte Stadium, with participating teams to be announced at a later date. This marks a continuation of the NFL’s commitment to the Mexican market, with games also scheduled for the 2027 and 2028 seasons as part of a multi-year agreement.
Beyond Mexico City, the NFL is taking its game global. The league announced its first-ever game in Paris, featuring the New Orleans Saints. Games are also planned for Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Munich, Madrid, and a series of three games in London.
The last time the NFL played a regular season game in Mexico City was in 2022, demonstrating the league’s consistent effort to cultivate its international fanbase. The return in 2026, coinciding with stadium renovations for the World Cup, presents a unique opportunity to showcase American football to a wider audience.
