Who Was in the Super Bowl: Teams, History & Results

By Sarah Miller · November 9, 2041

The Super Bowl features the champions of the NFL's two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The teams competing in the most recent Super Bowl LVIII (2024) were the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, with the Chiefs winning 25-22 in overtime.

Understanding the Super Bowl Matchup

The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), contested by the winners of the league's two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Each year, these two teams earn their place through a rigorous playoff system following the regular season.

How Teams Qualify for the Super Bowl

17-week regular season where each team plays 17 games
Top 7 teams from each conference advance to the playoffs
Single-elimination playoff bracket determines conference champions
AFC Champion vs. NFC Champion in the Super Bowl

Super Bowl LVIII: Chiefs vs. 49ers

Super Bowl LVIII took place on February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. It marked the third time these two teams met in the Super Bowl, reigniting one of the NFL’s newest rivalries.

Key Highlights from Super Bowl LVIII

Final score: Kansas City Chiefs 25 – San Francisco 49ers 22 (OT)
Patrick Mahomes named Super Bowl MVP
First Super Bowl to go into overtime since Super Bowl LIII
Chiefs became the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls since 2004 Patriots

Historical Super Bowl Appearances

Some franchises have dominated Super Bowl appearances over the decades. The following table shows the teams with the most Super Bowl appearances and wins as of 2025.

Team	Super Bowl Appearances	Super Bowl Wins	Last Appearance	Last Win
New England Patriots	11	6	Super Bowl LIII (2019)	Super Bowl LIII (2019)
Pittsburgh Steelers	8	6	Super Bowl LV (2021)	Super Bowl XLIII (2009)
San Francisco 49ers	7	5	Super Bowl LVIII (2024)	Super Bowl LVIII (2024)
Dallas Cowboys	8	5	Super Bowl XXX (1996)	Super Bowl XXX (1996)
Kansas City Chiefs	4	3	Super Bowl LVIII (2024)	Super Bowl LVIII (2024)
Green Bay Packers	5	4	Super Bowl XLV (2011)	Super Bowl XLV (2011)

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are tied for the most Super Bowl victories with six each. The 49ers and Chiefs have emerged as modern-era powerhouses, combining for three of the last five Super Bowl appearances. Kansas City’s repeat win in 2024 solidified their status as a current NFL dynasty led by Patrick Mahomes.

Notable Players in Recent Super Bowls

Certain athletes have defined the Super Bowl era through repeated success and standout performances. Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Jerry Rice, and Joe Montana stand out among legends.

Players with Multiple Super Bowl MVP Awards

Tom Brady – 5 Super Bowl wins, 3 MVPs (XXXVI, XLIX, LI)
Patrick Mahomes – 3 Super Bowl wins, 3 MVPs (LIV, LVII, LVIII)
Joe Montana – 4 Super Bowl wins, 3 MVPs (XVI, XIX, XXIV)
Chuck Howley – First MVP from losing team (Super Bowl V)

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Was in the Super Bowl

Who played in the most recent Super Bowl?

The most recent Super Bowl, Super Bowl LVIII, featured the Kansas City Chiefs (AFC champions) versus the San Francisco 49ers (NFC champions). The game was played on February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, with the Chiefs winning 25-22 in overtime.

Which teams have appeared in the Super Bowl the most?

The New England Patriots hold the record for the most Super Bowl appearances with 11. They are followed by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys with 8 each. The San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos have each appeared 7 times.

Who has won the most Super Bowls?

The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are tied for the most Super Bowl wins with 6 championships each. The Steelers won theirs in the 1970s, 2000s, and 2008, while the Patriots dominated in the 2000s and 2010s under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

Have the same two teams ever met in multiple Super Bowls?

Yes, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers have faced each other twice in the Super Bowl: Super Bowl LIV (2020) and Super Bowl LVIII (2024). The Chiefs won both matchups, with the latest going into overtime. Other frequent matchups include Steelers vs. Cowboys (twice) and Patriots vs. Rams (twice).

How are Super Bowl teams determined?

Super Bowl teams are determined through the NFL playoffs. After the 17-week regular season, seven teams from each conference (AFC and NFC) qualify for the postseason. These teams compete in a single-elimination tournament, culminating in the AFC Championship Game and NFC Championship Game. The winners of those two games advance to face each other in the Super Bowl.