Australia will serve as the “home” venue for the Rams’ Week 1 matchup against San Francisco. This marks a grueling international schedule for the 49ers, who are expected to make two major trips outside the United States this year—a logistical nightmare that has already drawn the public frustration of star tight end George Kittle.

While it is rare to see a divisional rivalry played abroad, Shanahan believes there was a specific motive behind the pairing. He recently claimed the Rams lobbied the NFL to move the game to Melbourne specifically to prevent a 49ers “takeover” at SoFi Stadium, where San Francisco fans often outnumber the home crowd.

“I’m pretty sure the Rams lobbied for that game,” Packers HC Matt LaFleur said about the Rams vs. 49ers game in Australia in a joint conference with Shanahan. “I know for a fact they did,” Shanahan said. “That’s what’s so bothersome.”

Los Angeles’ home-field advantage problem

As of 2026, the Rams and the Chargers continue to share SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Unfortunately for both franchises, establishing a consistent home-field advantage remains a significant challenge compared to other NFL markets.

During high-profile matchups at SoFi, both the Rams and Chargers have frequently struggled with low “home” attendance. Opposing fanbases—particularly the 49ers’ loyals—often flood the stands, creating a hostile environment that makes the Rams and Chargers feel like the visiting teams in their own building.

“That would suck to have to do silent cadence and to have our home game at their stadium,” Kyle Shanahan said. “So I get their ambitions, but they were rewarded that. So I’m just hoping we can get our request, too. I’d love them to come to Mexico.”

Who are the 49ers facing in Mexico City?

The 49ers’ international tour doesn’t end in Australia; they are also slated to host a game in Mexico City later in the 2026 season. While the official date at Estadio Banorte has yet to be confirmed, reports suggest the opponent has already been narrowed down.

According to league rumors, the 49ers rejected a potential matchup against the Denver Broncos to avoid giving a high-altitude advantage to the AFC West club. Instead, the Miami Dolphins have emerged as the frontrunners to face San Francisco in the Mexico City showcase.

“Don’t have date,” the head coach said from the league meetings on Monday, via Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. “Eventually will resolve itself. Hopefully we can get something for it. We’re in no rush. We have to do what’s right for the 49ers.”

After suffering a serious injury, the wide receiver spent almost the entire last season on the PUP list. While a trade might be ideal, the San Francisco 49ers are still looking to finalize a deal that works for all parties.

The turning point in Aiyuk’s career

Brandon Aiyuk has not played a single snap for the 49ers since October 20, 2024, following a devastating knee injury during a Week 7 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The All-Pro wideout suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, a brutal setback that not only ended his 2024 campaign but ultimately sidelined him for the entire 2025 season due to a stagnant rehabilitation process.

Now, in March 2026, Aiyuk remains in a “messy divorce” with the franchise; after the team voided his contract guarantees last year due to issues with his rehab efforts, he has spent nearly a year and a half away from the field, leaving his future in the NFL—and his health status—as one of the league’s most uncertain storylines.

Options in the 49ers receiving corps

Kyle Shanahan is leaning into a revamped wide receiver corps to maintain the 49ers’ offensive dominance in 2026. At the top of the depth chart, the arrival of veteran superstar Mike Evans provides a massive, reliable target in the red zone that the system has lacked, while Christian Kirk offers elite versatility as a premier route-runner from the slot.

Complementing the veterans is Ricky Pearsall, who has seen his role expand significantly after a promising 2025 campaign, giving Shanahan a trio that balances raw size, tactical speed, and sophisticated separation skills as the team moves past the Aiyuk era.

“No updates from me,” the head coach said, via Jennifer Lee Chan of NBCSportsBayArea.com. “I actually stay pretty much out of that. I know John and everyone is working hard to do that. I believe we will get that done. We love Trent too much and eventually that will work out.”

Rumors about a potential trade or even releasing Williams have been swirling in recent days. However, in the Bay, optimism remains that they can continue counting on one of their best offensive linemen.

Where does Williams stand with the 49ers today?

Trent Williams and the 49ers remain in a high-stakes contract standoff. The team recently declined a $10 million option bonus, a tactical move that stripped Williams of his remaining guarantees while skyrocketing his 2026 cap hit to nearly $47 million.

The 49ers are aiming to restructure the 37-year-old’s contract before next month’s NFL Draft to lower his cap impact and secure the veteran tackle for their upcoming Super Bowl push.

Trent Williams’ impact on the 49ers

In Kyle Shanahan’s sophisticated outside-zone scheme, Trent Williams serves as the vital engine that powers the entire offensive line. His unique combination of massive size and elite athleticism allows him to reach the second level of defenders with ease, creating massive lanes for the 49ers’ running game.

During the 2025 season, Williams remained a dominant force in the Bay Area, earning an impressive 91.5 overall grade. Despite being 37 years old, he started 16 games and allowed only 4 sacks and 32 total pressures across nearly 600 pass-blocking snaps.

His performance earned him his 12th consecutive Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the All-Pro Second Team, proving he is still the gold standard for left tackles in the NFL.

The list of names was extensive and filled with stars. Brock Purdy, Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, George Kittle, and Trent Williams were out at various points during the schedule, and that proved impossible to overcome in the postseason.

Now, heading into 2026, a new challenge looms for the 49ers in their quest to win the Super Bowl. In a historic development, the NFL has confirmed another international game for San Francisco, something that could cause significant wear and tear.

How many international games will 49ers play in 2026?

The 49ers will play two international games during the 2026 season. It had already been officially announced that they will face the Rams in Australia, and now the NFL has confirmed that they will also play in Mexico City against an opponent yet to be determined.

When will the 49ers play in Mexico?

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to play in Mexico in November 2026, although the official date will not be known until the NFL releases the schedule in May. They will be the home team at Estadio Banorte.

49ers opponents for 2026 season

The 49ers’ home opponents for the 2026 season are the Cardinals, Rams, Seahawks, Broncos, Eagles, Raiders, Commanders, Vikings, and Dolphins. With the exception of Los Angeles, all are possible opponents for the game in Mexico City.

The away opponents will be the Arizona Cardinals, Rams (Melbourne), Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Chargers, New York Giants, and Atlanta Falcons.

Additionally, ESPN insider John Sutcliffe has reported that the 49ers will play in Mexico City. That would mean they would have two games abroad in what would be a historic situation.

“The San Francisco 49ers are the team that will play at Azteca Stadium in the 2026 season. It’s the 49ers. I can confirm that. We have to remember that the 49ers are also playing in Australia, but they have done a lot of marketing in Mexico, looking to recapture the Joe Montana and Steve Young eras.”

Will the 49ers play in Mexico City during 2026 season?

Yes. John Sutcliffe mentioned that it is a fact that the 49ers will go to Mexico and that the only thing left to determine is the opponent. “The opponent is still to be determined. Who do they play at home this season? Arizona, Rams, Seattle, Eagles, Commanders, Denver, Raiders, Dolphins, and Vikings. What I can confirm to you, 49ers fan, is that they are coming back to Mexico. They will be the home team at Azteca Stadium.”

Can an NFL team play two international games in the same season?

Yes. An NFL team can play two international games in the same season. This already happened in 2025 when the Minnesota Vikings played against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin and the following week faced the Browns in London.

49ers’ disadvantage against NFC West and Super Bowl champions

The big problem is that, unlike the Vikings, the 49ers’ travel distances would be much longer to Australia and Mexico. That could be a major disadvantage in the toughest division in the NFL, the NFC West, considering the strength of teams like the Rams and the Seahawks, the recent Super Bowl champions.

What is this whole story about? The quarterback himself, now in the Bay Area, revealed that back in 2021, Kyle Shanahan had shown specific interest in bringing the former Alabama Crimson Tide player to the team.

“Kyle and I, we just have a great relationship, and he wanted me to be here with him when I was coming out of the draft,“ Jones said on the “Monday Mornings with Mitch” podcast. “Obviously, it went in different ways, but that’s what it’s all about — reconnecting with people that either see value in you or whatnot.”

He also added: “Just hearing the stories about Kyle and how he sees the run game and the pass game and running the team meetings, and it was just interesting. And finally, I got to see it this year, and that was just awesome.”

Ultimately, Shanahan finally saw his wish come true after the 49ers signed Jones to a two-year, $7 million contract to serve as Brock Purdy’s backup. Will Jones and the head coach continue working side by side for some more time?

Jones delivered solid performances in the Bay

During the 2025 NFL season, Mac Jones stepped up as a vital insurance policy for the San Francisco 49ers, taking over the starting role for eight games while Brock Purdy sidelined with a lingering turf toe injury.

Jones proved highly efficient in Kyle Shanahan’s system, finishing the regular season with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions across 11 total appearances. He posted a career-high 69.6% completion percentage and a solid 97.4 passer rating, leading the team to a 5–3 record in his starts.

His performance was highlighted by a 342-yard game against the Rams and a nearly perfect outing against the Giants, effectively “steadying the ship” and ensuring the 49ers remained top contenders in the NFC before Purdy’s return late in the season.

“It’s funny how it works. I didn’t play great football the first few years of my career, and then I came here to San Francisco, and I learned a ton,” Darnold said while recalling that phase of his career with Shanahan‘s 49ers in 2023, when he appeared in 10 games and threw two touchdowns and one interception.

Despite his limited action at quarterback in San Francisco, Darnold said his understanding of the game grew significantly while learning the system. “Because of that year in San Francisco, I was able to learn a ton. Learned from Brock Purdy and coach Shanahan.”

Purdy unlocked some of Darnold’s potential

Darnold went on to explain how that short time alongside Purdy helped him “unlock” his potential, or at least part of it, allowing him to become the high-level quarterback he is today. “I really thank Brock… Brock Purdy a ton,” Darnold said.

Darnold’s season was strong once again, surpassing 4,000 passing yards for a second straight year (4,048 in 2025 and 4,319 in 2024 with the Vikings). He also threw 25 touchdowns, 10 fewer than the previous season, but it was enough to lead the Seahawks to Super Bowl LX and win it.

After his time in San Francisco ended, Darnold used what he learned to succeed with two different teams. “And I was able to kind of learn and go to Minnesota and play good football there. I was able to come to Seattle and do the same. So, it’s funny how things work, but that’s life. I’m gonna continue to keep working.”

NBC Sports gave Shanahan the floor to answer any questions about the Seahawks, and that’s when he delivered a candid remark: “I know you guys want my expert opinion, but I haven’t scored a touchdown on [the Seahawks] the last two times we’ve played them, so I don’t know how good that is.”

On how losing three Super Bowls hasn’t been easy, but could be a good sign for Shanahan: “Losing three Super Bowls hasn’t been easy, but it could be a good sign for me,” Shanahan said. “I’ve been able to be in nine of these, six with my dad, three on my own. I just look at it as, he got blown out in his first three and then won his next three. I’ve got my three losses out of the way, we get Fred back healthy, and I’ve got three wins in front of me.”

Shanahan reveals what he does after losing a Super Bowl

It was Fred Warner himself who dared to ask Shanahan what he does after a Super Bowl loss, specifically how long it takes him to rewatch the film from that championship game he coached with the 49ers. The head coach admitted he delays the process, but ultimately knows he has to go back and review it.

“I put it away completely because it didn’t go well and it’s so personal. But I always watch it the day before you guys get back. I put it off as long as I can, but the day before you guys enter the building, I’ve gotta be on top of it. I’ve gotta know what happened. I’ve gotta know how to address you guys, and I’ve gotta know how to prepare going forward.”

It’s worth remembering that Shanahan has lost two Super Bowls with the 49ers. The third Super Bowl loss came when he was the offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons, when they blew a significant lead against the Patriots (28–3) and allowed Tom Brady to win that championship game.

“Great season for the 49ers, who finish 13-6 despite a mass injury event of epic proportions. They even got a road playoff win over the defending Super Bowl champions. The 49ers eventually and predictably fell off the tightrope against a great Seattle team,” Lombardi wrote on X.

Lombardi also compared San Francisco’s situation to another California team, Sean McVay’s Rams, while pointing to areas that need improvement heading into the 2026 season. “Also solid considering it was Year 1 of the cap reset. SF did better than the 2023 LA Rams model. Fascinating offseason of opportunity ahead. Separators for Brock Purdy should be at the top of the shopping list,” Lombardi added.

Injuries were a key weakness, according to Lombardi

Shanahan entered the playoff matchup against the Seahawks knowing several key players were sidelined with injuries. Those same players had helped the 49ers beat Seattle earlier in the season, something Lombardi was quick to point out.

“I mean, the 49ers did win at Seattle when they did have their guys. And they didn’t even have all of them. No Aiyuk, Kittle hurt early and Purdy played over a half with turf toe,” Lombardi wrote in response to comments from Deommodore Lenoir, who suggested the outcome could have been different had the team been healthy.

“To have those guys, it would have been a totally different game. But I mean we can’t make no excuses. We had enough guys in here to get the job done,” Lenoir said after the game. Lenoir was one of the few defensive players who stayed healthy all season and has now played 17-plus games since 2023.

Chase Senior was harsher in his assessment

One of the most vocal 49ers analysts throughout the season, Chase Senior did not hold back in his criticism of Shanahan after the playoff loss to Seattle. It marked the first time Shanahan failed to advance to a championship round after reaching the NFL playoffs.

“Kyle Shanahan was once again severely outclassed by Mike Macdonald. The 49ers have gone eight quarters without scoring a TD vs. Seattle’s defense. This 49ers offensive line is horrible. The Seahawks had a 47.4% pressure rate with a blitz rate of only 10.5%,” Senior wrote on X (@chase_senior).

Senior also questioned whether it might be time for John Lynch to step down as general manager, citing recent roster-building concerns. “Lynch is not close to being in the same tier as some of the top GMs in the NFL: Howie Roseman, Les Snead, Brett Veach and John Schneider.” Senior said.

Shanahan and Brock Purdy addressed the loss

Before breaking down the loss to Seattle, Shanahan took time to praise Christian McCaffrey’s season. “I think this was one of the most impressive seasons by an individual player ever, just in terms of what a warrior and man he is, week in and week out. I’ve never been around anything like it,” Shanahan said.

As for the team’s performance against the Seahawks, Shanahan was blunt. “No one played great today. No one coached great today. They got us pretty good. I thought Brock made a number of plays out there, but in the second half it got away from all of us,” he said.

Purdy, meanwhile, struck a more optimistic tone and emphasized the importance of getting healthy for next season. “Guys stepping up and the resiliency. The character and the heart of this team was unlike anything I have ever been a part of. I know a lot of guys were saying it. Kyle said it. Trent Williams said it. Everyone feels it. We’re gonna regroup, get guys healthy, and get back after it,” the quarterback said.

So far, they have requested interviews with candidates such as Chris Shula, Brian Flores, Jesse Minter, Anthony Weaver, Ejiro Evero, Jeff Hafley and Nate Scheelhaase.

The list reflects that, in their pursuit of becoming Super Bowl contenders, Art Rooney II and Omar Khan are leaning toward defensive coaches. However, a surprise could emerge from an NFC West team: the San Francisco 49ers.

Steelers’ search for next head coach

The Pittsburgh Steelers have requested an interview with Klay Kubiak. According to a report by Dianna Russini, the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive coordinator has joined the list of possible candidates to become their next head coach. “The Steelers have submitted an interview request for 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak for their head coach vacancy, per source.”

Kyle Shanahan’s coach could join Steelers

A few weeks ago, Kyle Shanahan praised the outstanding work of Klay Kubiak during the 2025 season with San Francisco 49ers. “Klay doesn’t get enough recognition. Klay is as good as anyone I’ve had. He’s responsible for just as much, if not more, of the game plan than myself. Klay’s a stud.”

Last week, in the Wild Card round against the Philadelphia Eagles, the 49ers lost their starting tight end, George Kittle. Despite the adversity, they eliminated the defending Super Bowl champions on the road.

Now, the challenge will be enormous against the Seattle Seahawks, the No. 1 seed in the NFC. One of the biggest questions ahead of the blockbuster matchup is whether Warner has a real chance to return.

What’s Fred Warner’s injury?

Fred Warner suffered an ankle injury in Week 6 during the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Because it was a fracture and a dislocation, it was expected that he would not return this season.

Is Fred Warner playing for 49ers vs Seahawks in 2026 playoffs?

No. Fred Warner will not play for the 49ers against the Seahawks in the Divisional Round of the 2026 NFL playoffs. Kyle Shanahan has made the final decision, although if the San Francisco 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game, the linebacker could be available.