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

[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.