With second international game, the 49ers are already fighting uphill when it comes to a rough 2026 schedule

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

The San Francisco 49ers had injury issues that were out of their control this past season. They overcame those challenges to make the playoffs, but missing several key players undoubtedly capped their potential to make a deeper run.

The NFL’s league year doesn’t even start until March, but we already know the 49ers have another massive roadblock awaiting them.

The 49ers announced they will play in Mexico City during the 2026 NFL regular season. That’s not too unusual, but it is unprecedented that they’ll play two international games next season in different continents. Add on the 49ers’ announced game in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams, and suddenly travel becomes a big issue.

The 49ers will travel more miles than anyone in the NFL next season and more than any team ever has. That’s a hefty challenge no other team is going to be dealing with next season.

https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/with-second-international-game-the-49ers-are-already-fighting-uphill-when-it-comes-to-a-rough-2026-schedule-181444133.html

That's messed up and I'm not a niners fan.

[Auggie]

1. It's the money

NFL wants to expand their audience internationally. The 49ers are apparently happy to preemptively claim Australia as a fan base and continue to do so in Mexico, though one would think either L.A. team would be a much more logical choice.

The Australia game comes on Week One which could help mitigate travel concerns.

If I recall correctly, the players loathed their 2022 game in Mexico City vs the Cardinals, particularly the high altitude location of the stadium and air quality (pollution). That victory in Week 11 was their third in a string of 10 consecutive, and they finished the year 13-4.