In Mexico, American football fans have been growing, it is increasingly common for families to get together to watch the NFL season. The Hispanic market has been important for the league, so they have considered the country to take their games outside the United States.
However, Mexico City stopped hosting NFL games due to the closure of the Azteca Stadium, on the occasion of the 2026 World Cup, the Coloso de Santa Úrsula underwent a series of adjustments to be the venue for the FIFA World Cup.
But, with the upcoming reopening of the stadium, it is expected that different mass events will return to the Azteca, one of them would be the NFL.
When does the NFL return to Mexico?
The NFL will return to Mexico when the Azteca Stadium is ready (AFP)
In recent days, ESPN journalist John Sutcliffe announced that talks have already begun for season games to return to Mexico City.
According to Emilio Azcárraga, owner of the Azteca, he shared that the reopening of the property will be at the end of 2025 or beginning of 2026, so for the 2025 – 2026 season the NFL could not return, since the calendar is defined in those days.
So, if the Azteca Stadium is not ready, the NFL would return after the 2026 World Cup.
Which NFL team will return to Mexico?
According to John Sutcliffe, the Dallas Cowboys would be the team with intentions of returning to play in Mexico City, as long as the stadium is ready. In the meantime, he cannot sign his return to the country.
The Azteca Stadium, one of the most iconic sports venues in Mexico, will once again host an NFL game in 2025. According to Sutcliffe, the game in Mexico will be part of an NFL strategy that includes an additional game for all American Football Conference (AFC) teams during the 2026 season.
This format will allow some of these matches to be played in international venues, including the Coloso de Santa Úrsula, which will be completely renovated by then.
The impact of the NFL in Mexico will not be limited to 2025. As reported by ESPN, in 2026 it will be the turn of the Dallas Cowboys, one of the most beloved and followed franchises in the country. The Cowboys, who will also have eight home games in that season, will be the protagonists of another match at the Azteca Stadium.
The arrival of the Cowboys promises to attract thousands of fans, since this team, along with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leads the preferences of Mexican fans. Although details have not yet been revealed about the rival they will face in 2026, expectations for this event are already beginning to grow among American football fans in Mexico.
Source: infobae
