The NFL schedule release is almost here, and while the Arizona Cardinals' full 2026 slate drops Thursday night, leaks are already revealing what won't be on it. Chief among the surprises: no Mexico City showdown against the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers are set to be the designated home team for a game in Mexico City this season, sparking speculation of a border rivalry clash with the Cardinals. After all, these two teams have met twice south of the border—once in 2005 and again in 2022. But according to leaks, the 49ers will instead "host" the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11 on Sunday, Nov. 22.
That matchup carries extra intrigue: it would pit former Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray against the 49ers in Mexico. Murray missed the 2022 Mexico City game due to a torn ACL, with Colt McCoy starting in his place. Now, Cardinals fans know they won't see their team face the 49ers in either Week 1 or Week 11.
Here's what else we've pieced together about the Cardinals' schedule so far:
- Week 1: No Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, or Los Angeles Rams.
- Week 2: No Detroit Lions.
- Week 12: No Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles.
The full 2026 regular-season schedule will be released Thursday at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. Arizona time). For now, Cardinals fans can start planning their gear—whether it's for home games at State Farm Stadium or road trips to see their team in action. Stay tuned for the complete lineup, and get ready to rep your Cardinals pride all season long.