49ers blocked Broncos from being their Mexico opponent this season
The 49ers blocked the Broncos from playing them in Mexico this season, but Denver could have an international game as early as 2027.
The NFL continues to expand its slate of international games. League owners voted in favor of playing up to 10 international games in 2027, an increase from the current eight. (Also of note: the Jacksonville Jaguars have a separate international agreement that does not count against the total, so there could be up to 11 international games in 2027.
) The Broncos were not picked to play the San Francisco 49ers in Mexico this season after the Niners blocked their home games against Denver and the Las Vegas Raiders from being played away from Levi's Stadium, according to a report from Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area . "The Raiders have a strong fan base in Mexico, and the Broncos would have an advantage in dealing with the high elevation," Maiocco wrote in March. The NFL granted the Niners' request, scheduling the Minnesota Vikings to play in that Mexico matchup .
The 49ers were able to block Denver as a potential international opponent this year, but teams won't have the ability to do that going forward. Previously, clubs could protect two home games from not being picked for an international matchup. Starting in 2027, opponents can't be blocked , creating the possibility of marquee international showdowns.
The Broncos will have an extra ninth home game next season, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the club "host" an international game in 2027 . Mexico, the club's designated international market, would make sense as a potential location. Whenever Denver does play in an international game again, they won't have a say in the opponent.