Background and Significance of the NFL in Mexico
Since 2022, an annual inquiry from Mexico to the NFL has been about the new date for a game at the Azteca Stadium. Over four years, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s international schedule announcements have been closely watched by the Mexican audience. Dates were set for other global territories, and there was a persistent push to enter the Asian market. With the phenomenon of Japanese pitcher Shohei Ono and the success of the Tokyo Series 2025, Mexico seemed to be losing its prominence.
The NFL, however, has a substantial fanbase of 40 million in Mexico, making it the league’s primary international market. The Ciudad de México has been absent from the NFL’s rotation of international game venues while the Azteca Stadium underwent renovation for the 2026 World Cup. The league is committed to its contract with the Azteca Stadium.
NFL’s International Expansion Plans
This season, the NFL is playing a record seven international games, with six taking place in Europe. Brazil hosted one (with the upcoming game scheduled for Maracaná Stadium), and Australia has been announced as a venue for a game in the next season. The Commissioner reiterated the league’s plan to increase international games to 16 and confirmed that Asia will be the next region targeted.
“To be truly global, you need to go beyond Europe and America. You must reach out to other regions and territories, and next year we’re heading to Australia. We have plans to venture into Asia shortly,” said Roger Goodell.
NFL’s Recent Visits and Future Plans
The last NFL game in Mexico City was on November 21, 2022, when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 38-10. Since then, the league has visited the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, and Ireland. This year will also see the NFL’s first regular-season game in Spain.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: When will the NFL return to Mexico City? A: The NFL will return to Mexico City in the upcoming year, according to Commissioner Roger Goodell.
- Q: What are the NFL’s plans for international games? A: The NFL aims to play 16 international games, with Asia being the next target region.
- Q: Where else has the NFL held games recently? A: The NFL has recently played games in the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Ireland, and will hold its first regular-season game in Spain this year.
