The 3 most anticpated games for the 49ers in 2026

TL;DR

The San Francisco 49ers' most anticipated games in 2026 include matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Chargers. These games are significant due to historical rivalries and key player matchups.

Key points

49ers' opponents for 2026 regular season confirmed
Anticipated games include Chiefs, Eagles, and Chargers
Game against Chiefs is a revenge match for past losses
Eagles matchup follows recent competitive history
Harbaugh's reunion with 49ers adds intrigue to Chargers game

Mentioned in this story

Jim HarbaughPatrick MahomesJimmy GaroppoloNick Bosa

San Francisco 49ersKansas City ChiefsPhiladelphia EaglesLos Angeles Chargers

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 17: The San Francisco 49ers wait to take the field prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images The San Francisco 49ers’ opponents for the 2026 regular season have been set for some time. While fans wait for the NFL to release the official schedule and make travel plans, what are the three most anticipated games in 2026? For this exercise, I’ll leave out the matchups with division rivals. The season opener in Australia against the Rams and the Mexico City matchup are anticipated based on location. Two rematches with the defending Super Bowl champions are too easy to point to. **San Francisco at Kansas City** The 49ers under Kyle Shanahan have yet to defeat Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. The last time the 49ers visited Kansas City, Jimmy Garoppolo tore his ACL and the 49ers lost in Week 2. The losing season led to the 49ers holding the second pick and drafting Nick Bosa. The obvious revenge points are the two Super Bowl losses to the Chiefs. Unfortunately, beating the Chiefs in the regular season won’t get the 49ers a Lombardi, but a win will show they can beat the “big, bad wolf.” Winning in Kansas City will mean a little extra as far as difficulty goes, ** at San Francisco** Since the 2022 NFC Championship game, things have gotten chippy between the two franchises. The Eagles won the big matchup and have a Super Bowl victory over Kansas City, but lately the 49ers have gotten the better of the Eagles with two straight victories, including last year’s Wild Card victory in Philadelphia. The Eagles have a new playcaller and will have an offensive scheme resembling Shanahan’s in 2026. Both teams will be ready to go for this matchup, which has the opportunity to be nationally televised. It will depend on when the matchup is scheduled. **San Francisco at ** The 49ers were robbed of a SoFi Stadium visit, but will still have the opportunity to take over the stadium as they will square off with the Los Angeles Chargers. The stadium will be filled with red. The real story is the reunion of Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers. For the first time since taking over as the Chargers’ head coach, Harbaugh will face off against the first team to hire him. There will be no shortage of storylines going into this game. **Honorable Mention: San Francisco at ** 49ers and Cowboys have a blood rivalry. The 49ers have owned Dallas as of late and will look to continue that success in Jerry World. Dallas has to have some urgency in this game or risk the narrative continuing to be the Cowboys being bullied by San Francisco.

Q&A

What are the key matchups for the San Francisco 49ers in 2026?

The key matchups include games against the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Chargers.

Why is the game against the Kansas City Chiefs significant for the 49ers?

The game is significant as the 49ers seek revenge for past Super Bowl losses and their previous defeat in Kansas City.

What storyline surrounds the 49ers' game against the Los Angeles Chargers?

The storyline centers on Jim Harbaugh's reunion with the 49ers as he faces his former team for the first time as the Chargers' head coach.

The 3 most anticpated games for the 49ers in 2026

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

Related Articles

NHL player props: Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield among best bets for Wednesday's playoff games

Lakers' JJ Redick comments on Luka Doncic's latest injury update

'Born to be winners' - How Jeglertz turned Man City into WSL champions

PSG ease past Bayern to set up Champions League final with Arsenal

Tyler Glasnow and Lance McCullers Jr. both exit with injuries in Dodgers blowout of Astros

Colts reaffirm commitment to Anthony Richardson Sr.

More from Sports