The Miami Dolphins have become an international draw over the past decade, but their record abroad is far from good. After appearing in the first-ever NFL game in Barcelona, Spain, only a year ago, it appears that travel in 2026 will once again send them overseas.
Last season, the Dolphins gave up an additional home game to play in Spain; this year, they might be heading to another country for their extra away game.
According to a new report from 49ers insider Jennifer Lee Chan, the Dolphins are the team she is hearing that could play the 49ers in Mexico City this year.
Miami Dolphins rumored to be heading back overseas again in 2026 to play the 49ers
Since 2007, the Dolphins have played seven games on the international stage. They have won just two of them, including last year's game in Barcelona against the Commanders. If the report of them heading to Mexico this season turns out to be correct, they are likely to see their five losses increase to six.
The Dolphins have a large fan base in Mexico, which could make this somewhat of an even playing field in the stands. It will be the fourth time they have played overseas since 2021, and the first back-to-back games abroad since the league began playing international games.
If accurate, it will be the first time the Dolphins have traveled to Mexico City. They have previously played in London five times, Germany once, and, of course, Spain.
During last year's team visit to Spain, Dolphins CEO Tom Garfinkel spoke about expanding its footprint in the overseas market. The initial take from an ESPN reporter suggested that the Dolphins were looking to leverage a single market, similar to what the Jaguars have in London. Barry Jackson shut that theory down.
Miami may not be looking to give up home games every season, but the team is clearly not opposed to traveling out of the country for games. Previously, it was reported that teams that agreed to play outside the country would have a better chance of hosting a Super Bowl. Perhaps that is one of the reasons the Dolphins continue to opt into these games.
Miami fans should find out sooner rather than later if this report is accurate. The NFL typically releases the International Series game schedules earlier than the regular-season schedule that is released in May.