In a landmark announcement for Australian sports fans, the National Football League has confirmed that two of its most iconic franchises will clash on Australian soil for the first time in a regular-season game. The San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams are set to bring American football fever to Melbourne this October, with the historic match to be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
A Blockbuster Event for the Sporting Calendar
The game is expected to be a sell-out spectacle, drawing thousands of fans from across the country, including a significant contingent from the Hunter region. This event forms part of the NFL's ambitious international series for 2026, which will see nine games played across four continents, seven countries, and eight stadiums. Melbourne joins prestigious host cities such as London, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Munich, Madrid, and Paris in welcoming the league.
Storied Franchises with Rich Histories
The matchup features two teams with deep legacies in the sport. The Rams, who will serve as the 'home' team for the occasion, are two-time Super Bowl champions. Their opponents, the 49ers, boast an impressive five world championship titles, making this a clash of genuine NFL powerhouses.
Al Guido, CEO of the 49ers, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, "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."
Star Power and Recent Form
The Rams are led by star quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was recently named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in a closely contested vote. Despite a strong 12-5 season, Los Angeles fell short in the NFC Championship, losing 31-27 to Seattle last month. The 49ers, who finished third in the NFC West, also faced playoff disappointment with a 41-6 loss to Seattle. The two teams last met in October, with the 49ers securing a narrow 26-23 overtime victory at SoFi Stadium.
Building Excitement Down Under
Charlotte Offord, NFL Australia & New Zealand general manager, highlighted the significance of the event, noting, "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. 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."
The announcement coincides with a week of heightened interest in the NFL among Australian audiences, as Sydney-born punter Michael Dickson prepares to feature in the Super Bowl for the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots.
Commitment to the Australian Community
Kevin Demoff, Rams president, emphasised the team's growing connection with Australia, saying, "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 off-season continuing to deepen our connection with the Melbourne community leading up to the game this fall."
Victorian Government Backs the Event
The MCG match is being staged in partnership with the Victorian state government and Visit Victoria. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan welcomed the news, stating, "Bringing the NFL to the MCG is a huge win both on and off the field and hosting a team like the San Francisco 49ers will make it even better. We can't wait to welcome these two great teams to Melbourne and showcase the best of our city and our state."
This historic game represents a significant step in the NFL's global expansion efforts and is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for Australian sports enthusiasts, cementing Melbourne's reputation as a premier destination for international sporting events.
