The 49ers Will Not Play an International Game in 2025

The 49ers won't need their passports next season.

The NFL just announced seven international games for the 2025-26 season and the 49ers aren't playing in any of them. The last time they played an international game was in 2022 when they beat the Arizona Cardinals in Mexico City. This year, the international games will be played in London, Dublin, Berlin, Madrid and Sao Paolo.

The NFL is trying to expand its fanbase. So every year, they increase the number of international games. Last year, there were five. Eventually, there could be one every week, which could allow the 49ers to expand its fanbase, too.

49ers Enterprises currently owns Leeds United -- a soccer team in the English Premier League. Soon, they intend to renovate Leeds United's stadium and add thousands of seats. I wouldn't be surprised if the 49ers were to play an international game in Leeds one day once the stadium has been redone. Leeds could be the 49ers' home away from home. Who knows, eventually they might play there once a season.

But if the 49ers were savvy, they would make Mexico City their home away from home. Because the people in that city love the 49ers. They're more passionate about the 49ers than people in the Bay Area. That stadium was louder for a random regular season game against the Cardinals than Levi's Stadium ever has been.

Mexico loves football. The NFL in general and the 49ers in particular should embrace that country and play at least one game there every year.