The San Francisco 49ers are officially going global in a historic way. The franchise announced it will face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, marking the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game on Australian soil. The matchup will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground during the 2026 season, with the Rams designated as the home team.
Shedeur Sanders playfully shoves Dak Prescott during a lighthearted exchange at the Pro Bowl
The news landed just days after 49ers owner Jed York hinted that San Francisco could be heading to Mexico City next season, underscoring how aggressively the league is pushing its international expansion. Instead, the 49ers will head even farther-literally to the other side of the globe.
The announcement was revealed on The Pat McAfee Show, delivered by Australia Zoo conservationist and television personality Robert Irwin. While the exact date and kickoff time have yet to be confirmed, the opponent and venue are now locked in.
Related:
A historic matchup with massive logistical stakes for the NFL
This isn’t just a novelty game. The 49ers-Rams rivalry is one of the most competitive in the NFC West, and both teams are coming off seasons that included playoff wins. Dropping that matchup into an international setting raises serious questions about scheduling balance and competitive fairness.
A direct flight from the Bay Area to Melbourne clocks in at roughly 16 hours, not including recovery time and time-zone adjustment. That makes scheduling critical. Traditionally, the defending Super Bowl champion opens the season on Thursday night, making a Week 1 Australia game unlikely. Instead, league schedulers will need to carefully cluster bye weeks and surrounding matchups to minimize competitive disadvantages.
The Rams were announced as the home team for Australia last February, but their opponent remained a mystery until now. With San Francisco confirmed, the NFL gets a marquee rivalry to introduce the sport to a new market.
The Melbourne game will be one of nine international contests during the 2026 NFL season. Other confirmed locations include Paris, Madrid, Munich, Mexico City, and London, where three games are scheduled. The New Orleans Saints have already been named as the host team for the Paris matchup, while the remaining opponents and dates will be announced later this spring.
Why Australia matters to the NFL
Australia has long been viewed as an untapped NFL market, with strong interest in American sports and a growing fan base fueled by streaming and social media. Playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground-a venue that can seat more than 100,000 fans-signals the league’s confidence in drawing a massive crowd.
For the 49ers, the trip represents both an opportunity and a challenge. It’s a chance to expand the brand globally, but also a test of endurance and adaptability in a season where every game can shape playoff seeding.
For the NFL, it’s another step in transforming the league into a truly global product. And when the 49ers and Rams kick off in Melbourne, it won’t just be a game-it’ll be a statement about where the league is headed next.
