Australia to get its first-ever NFL game in 2026 as LA Rams host SF 49ers to play in Melbourne.

The National Football League has announced that the San Francisco 49ers will play the Los Angeles Rams in the historic first-ever regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia. The teams will meet at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), in partnership with the Victorian State Government and Visit Victoria.

The blockbuster NFC West showdown will see a number of NFL superstars, headlined by Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, put on a show at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Both teams have been perennial playoff contenders in recent seasons, with the Rams led by veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford who turned back the clock at 37 years old to lead Los Angeles to the NFC Championship game.

The NFL also revealed that the designated host team for the game in Melbourne, Australia, will be the Los Angeles Rams.

This isn’t just for show. The NFL already has roots down under. In 2022, they launched the NFL Flag football program and opened an office in Australia’s Gold Coast. And in 2024, they stepped it up with the NFL Academy APAC, giving student athletes (aged 12-18) top-tier football training and education.

The Rams vs 49ers NFL 2026 game date and kickoff time, will be announced at a later date.

The game will be one of nine international games played during the 2026 season. The NFL will also play games in Paris, Madrid, Munich, Mexico City and London, where three games will take place.

This isn’t Australia’s first taste of NFL football

NFL in Australia isn’t entirely new. Back in 1999, the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers faced off in Sydney during the American Bowl. That was preseason though—2026 will be the first regular-season game ever played on Australian soil.

Rams vs 49ers Playing for first-time ever in Australia, Last season stats.

Stafford finished the 2025-26 season throwing for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns in the regular season with just eight interceptions to cement his position as MVP favourite.

The 49ers, meanwhile, produced one of the best draft success stories in Brock Purdy, who was the final pick of the 2022 class and has gone on to establish himself as one of the league’s best quarterbacks and was rewarded by San Francisco with a five-year, $265 million contract last year.

Which Stadium Will Host The NFL Melbourne Game?

The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, otherwise known as the MCG, will host the NFL Melbourne game each year, as part of a partnership between the NFL, the Victorian State Government and the ground itself.

The MCG is the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere and the 11th biggest worldwide, with a capacity of 100,000.

Who is the playing in 2026 NFL Melbourne Game?

The Los Angeles Rams have been chosen as the first designated team for an NFL Melbourne Game. The Rams hold marketing rights in the country, alongside the Philadelphia Eagles, as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program.

The San Francisco 49ers will be the Los Angeles Rams' opponent for the first NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia, during the 2026 season.

The date and time of the game will be announced at a later date.

When Will The 2026 NFL Melbourne Game Take Place?

No set date, kickoff time has been confirmed for the inaugural game as of yet. Due to the 16 hour time difference between Melbourne and the American east coast, the traditional 1pm Sunday kick off time could become a 9pm ET Saturday kick off for one game.

What Channel Will The NFL Melbourne Game Be On?

The NFL is broadcast on NBC, Fox, ESPN and CBS as well as the NFL Network and Prime Video in the United States.

However, the broadcaster for the Melbourne game has yet to be decided.

Further details including date, kickoff time and ticket information will be announced at a later date. Fans interested in the 2026 game can visit nfl.com/Melbourne for the latest news and information.

____

WordsCharactersReading time