Rivals 49ers, Rams to clash in first NFL game in Australia

Field Level Media|published: Thu 5th February, 14:37 2026

Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) leaves the field after the 2026 NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

The NFL is taking their game Down Under.

The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will square off in the first-ever regular-season NFL game in Australia, the league announced on Thursday.

The game will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and serve as part of an NFL-record nine international games in 2026 across four continents and seven countries and eight stadiums. The league has confirmed three games in London and one each in Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Munich, Madrid and Paris.

"As we continue our preparations for the NFL's first-ever regular season game at the MCG in Melbourne, we are delighted that the San Francisco 49ers will take on the Los Angeles Rams," NFL Australia & New Zealand general manager Charlotte Offord said. "The 49ers are a popular franchise within the Australian market, and this rivalry game solidifies what we know is going to be an incredible NFL experience for our fans down under."

Further details including the specific date, kickoff time and ticket information will be announced at a later time, the league announced.

The Rams were announced as the home team for this game last year.

"As we make history with the NFL and bring the first regular season game to Australia, we are pleased to take our annual match-up against our NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers to the MCG," Rams president Kevin Demoff said. "Since we first secured marketing rights to the country in 2021 and more recently since the announcement of this game last year, we have seen tremendous excitement for our team from fans both in Australia and also across the world. We look forward to spending this offseason continuing to deepen our connection with the Melbourne community leading up to the game this fall."

Said 49ers CEO Al Guido: "This is a terrific opportunity to continue to support the league in its mission to grow the game of football. We look forward to working with the NFL to benefit local Australian communities through sport."

--Field Level Media

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