The Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers have shared a division for decades, dating back to their first meeting in 1951. The 49ers hold the edge in the all-time series and have won the recent matchups more often than not. Here is the full head-to-head history, the last 10 meetings, and the 2026 schedule.
Series at a Glance
- All-time series (regular season): 49ers lead 38-31
- All-time series (including playoffs): 49ers lead 38-31
- Postseason: No playoff meetings
- Current streak: 49ers have won the last two meetings, most recently 41-22 on Nov 16, 2025
- First meeting: Nov 18, 1951 (Cardinals won 27-21)
Last 10 Meetings
The 49ers have won 6 of the last 10 meetings, though several were decided by a single score.
| Date | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 16, 2025 | 49ers 41 at Cardinals 22 | 49ers |
| Sep 21, 2025 | Cardinals 15 at 49ers 16 | 49ers |
| Jan 5, 2025 | 49ers 24 at Cardinals 47 | Cardinals |
| Oct 6, 2024 | Cardinals 24 at 49ers 23 | Cardinals |
| Dec 17, 2023 | 49ers 45 at Cardinals 29 | 49ers |
| Oct 1, 2023 | Cardinals 16 at 49ers 35 | 49ers |
| Jan 8, 2023 | Cardinals 13 at 49ers 38 | 49ers |
| Nov 21, 2022 | 49ers 38 at Cardinals 10 | 49ers |
| Nov 7, 2021 | Cardinals 31 at 49ers 17 | Cardinals |
| Oct 10, 2021 | 49ers 10 at Cardinals 17 | Cardinals |
2026 Matchups
The Cardinals and 49ers meet twice again in 2026 in the NFC West.
- Week 3: Sunday, Sep 27, 2026 – Cardinals at 49ers
- Week 18: Sunday, Jan 10, 2027 – 49ers at Cardinals
Postseason History
The Cardinals and 49ers have never met in the playoffs.
More From Sports Brackets
- Arizona Cardinals all-time records vs every NFL team
- San Francisco 49ers all-time records vs every NFL team
- Cardinals vs Rams all-time series
- 49ers vs Rams all-time series
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the all-time series between the Cardinals and 49ers?
The 49ers lead the all-time series 38-31. The two teams have never met in the playoffs.
Have the Cardinals and 49ers met in the postseason?
No. Despite decades as division rivals, the Cardinals and 49ers have never faced each other in the playoffs.
When do the Cardinals and 49ers play in 2026?
They meet in Week 3 on Sep 27 at San Francisco and in Week 18 on Jan 10 at Arizona.
