What happened: San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner spent his NFL offseason pitchside in Mexico City, backing El Tri at the FIFA World Cup. The All-Pro defender turned out in support of the host nation as Mexico eliminated Ecuador to book a place in the Round of 16.

Why it matters: The appearance underscores the growing overlap between the NFL and global soccer as the sport's biggest tournament plays out across North America. For a franchise cornerstone like Warner, the offseason cameo is a reminder of how far the 49ers' brand reaches beyond football and into a World Cup host market on their doorstep.

What to watch: Attention now shifts back to San Francisco's preparation for the 2026 NFL season, with Warner again anchoring the defense once the offseason program gives way to training camp.