The Los Angeles Rams will host the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL's first regular-season game played in Australia. The NFC West division rivals will face off at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) later in 2026, though no official date has been set.
The NFL announced a multi-year deal to play games in Melbourne last year, with the Rams designated as the home team for the inaugural match. Now, the 49ers have been confirmed as their opponents, continuing a historic rivalry.
Both teams made the playoffs this season and were eliminated by the Seattle Seahawks, another NFC West rival. Rams president Kevin Demoff expressed excitement about bringing the game to Australia, citing strong fan interest since the Rams secured marketing rights to the country in 2021.
The NFL has been expanding its global presence, with regular-season games previously held in Mexico, England, Ireland, Germany, Brazil, and Spain. France is set to host a match in Paris later this year, with the New Orleans Saints as the designated home team.
