The San Francisco 49ers will play two international games during their 2026 season. They will open the year against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sept. 10 before facing a familiar face in Week 11.
The 49ers will match up against ex-wide receiver and fan favorite Jauan Jennings and the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 22 at the Estadio Banorte in Mexico City, Mexico.
Jauan Jennings Career in San Francisco
Jennings was a 7th-round draft selection by the 49ers in the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent all 5 years of his career in San Francisco before signing a one-year, $13 million deal with the Vikings this offseason.
Despite never reaching 1,000 receiving yards in a single season, Jennings became a fan favorite and garnered the nickname “3rd and Jauan” for his knack for collecting big third-down conversions.
During his tenure with the 49ers, Jennings caught 210 receptions for 2,581 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns. His most productive season was in 2024, when he led all 49ers receivers with 77 receptions and 975 yards.
49ers fans might point to any number of Jennings’ plays as their favorite. But his most memorable performance in Super Bowl 58 stands out. He recorded both a receiving and a passing touchdown in the 25-22 loss to the Chiefs.
GettyMike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during warm up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
49ers Set to Have New-Look Wide Receivers Room
San Francisco made multiple additions to their wide receiver room through free agency and the draft. Their offseason was headlined by signing 12-year veteran Mike Evans to a 3-year, $42 million deal. Even though the long-time Buccanneer missed 9 games after battling injuries last season, Evans becomes the most talented receiver on the 49ers roster.
The 49ers also signed 8-year veteran Christian Kirk to a one-year, $7 million contract. Kirk was on the Houston Texans last season, where he tallied 28 receptions for 239 yards.
After signing two veteran wide receivers, the 49ers drafted Ole Miss WR De’Zhaun Stribling with the No. 33 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The pick was labeled a “reach” by many, but the 49ers like his blazing 4.36 speed and ability to block in the run game.
All three additions will add to a wide receiver room that returns former first-round pick Ricky Pearsall and 10-year veteran Demarcus Robinson. The 49ers are hoping Pearsall will have a breakout season after tallying less than 1,000 yards in his first two seasons combined.
49ers Will Get First Look at Ex-Fan Favorite in 1 of 2 International Games