Kevin O'Connell Minnesota Vikings
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Head coach Kevin O'Connell and the Minnesota Vikings could play in another country next season.
The Minnesota Vikings are an impressive 5-1 in the NFL’s International Series. All six of those games took place in England and Ireland.
Kevin O’Connell’s club could put that record on the line next season while playing in a different country.
The NFL announced Wednesday the San Francisco 49ers will host the 2026 regular season contest scheduled in Mexico City.
“We’re delighted to host the San Francisco 49ers once again in Mexico City for the 2026 NFL Mexico Game,” said NFL Director General Arturo Olive. “Returning to Estadio Banorte highlights our strong, ongoing commitment to Mexico. Few places generate the kind of energy we see here, and we look forward to being back in a country that plays such a meaningful role in the growth of our game.”
The Vikings have the 49ers on their road schedule for the 2026 slate. That makes them one of nine potential options to play in the Mexico City game.
SI on Vikings’ Joe Nelson argued O’Connell’s team might have a 1-in-6 shot at taking the visit to Mexico.
“We can narrow things down a little more if we assume that San Francisco won’t face an NFC West rival in Mexico City. If true, it eliminates the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks,” wrote Nelson.
“The leaves the Vikings, along with the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders as the six teams in the mix to make the trip to Mexico City.”
Could Minnesota Vikings Face San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City?
As Nelson continued to dive into the Mexico City scheduling scenarios, he made a strong argument for the Las Vegas Raiders to be San Francisco’s opponent.
Similar to the 49ers, the Raiders have a strong presence in Mexico. The Raiders might also draft rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The signal-caller spoke proudly about his Hispanic heritage before winning the Heisman Trophy.
For that reason, the Raiders, not the Vikings, are probably the favorite to play in Mexico City next season. But the Vikings are another intriguing option, especially if the NFL prefers a conference tilt.
Similarly, a 49ers-Philadelphia Eagles matchup would be an easy sell in Mexico from a football product and history perspective.
Vikings NFL International Series History
It doesn’t date back very long. But compared to the rest of the league, the Vikings have a rich International Series history.
Only the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins have played more often in international games than the Vikings.
Last year, the Vikings made league history as the first team with back-to-back international games in two different countries.
At 5-1, the Vikings have also been very successful overseas. They are a perfect 5-0 in London. Their lone international loss was last year in Ireland.
During 2026, the NFL will host contests in seven different countries. In addition to Mexico, the league will go to England, Germany, Spain, France, Brazil and Australia.
The 49ers will play in Mexico and Australia. The Los Angeles Rams will face the 49ers in Australia.
The Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints will be one of the two teams to play in Brazil and France, respectively.
The only Minnesota Vikings 2026 road opponent currently scheduled to host an international game next season is the 49ers.