The San Francisco 49ers will face division-rival Los Angeles Rams in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia next season, set for the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. Kickoff date and time will be announced later; the MCG seats about 100,000 spectators, underscoring the league’s large-audience push for international games.
The matchup continues the NFL’s plan announced last year to stage a 2026 game in Melbourne as part of a multi-year commitment. The Rams were designated as the home team for that matchup in Melbourne.
The league is expanding its international slate to a record nine games next season, including the NFL’s first regular-season contests in Paris and Rio de Janeiro.
Charlotte Offord, NFL Australia & New Zealand general manager, said the 49ers are a popular franchise in Australia and that the rivalry game should provide an incredible NFL experience for fans down under.
The Rams have held marketing rights in Australia since the NFL began its international marketing program in 2022.
Reporting by The Associated Press.
