NFL Announces Blockbuster Matchup For First Ever Game In Australia

They couldn’t have picked a better matchup.

The NFL’s popularity continues to reach new heights by the year. The competition is no longer just an American sport. Several countries from around the world can host a game of one of the biggest leagues in the world.

They added Madrid to the schedule in 2025. Additionally, they played the second game in Sao Paulo, Brazil. London, England; Dublin, Ireland and Berlin, Germany completed the slate. They will continue expanding their territory in 2026. The league will visit Paris, France, return to Mexico City and add Rio as the second city in Brazil.

But first, they will hold the first-ever NFL game in Australia.

Melbourne will host two teams early in the season, to kick off an NFL record nine international games. The Australians will have the chance to see two of the most entertaining teams in the league.

Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers To Clash In Melbourne, Australia In 2026

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua flexing his musclesLos Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
The NFL announced that the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams will face off against each other in the first-ever regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the game.

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“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,” said NFL Australia & New Zealand general manager Charlotte Offord. “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.”

Ari Meirov reported that the game could be played in Week 1, potentially even before the Thursday night kickoff game. That is to give the two teams a bigger cap before they come back to America for their respective Week 2 duels.

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The Rams and 49ers were two of the best teams in the NFC in 2025. The Seattle Seahawks eliminated them both on their way to Super Bowl 60. It remains to be seen if Matthew Stafford remains with the Rams and Brandon Aiyuk with the 49ers at that time.