NFL's First Aussie Showdown: Rams to Clash with 49ers at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Historic Match-Up
In a move that promises to captivate football fans Down Under, the San Francisco 49ers have been confirmed as the Los Angeles Rams' opponent for the league's first-ever regular-season game in Australia. The highly anticipated matchup will take place at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking a significant milestone in the NFL's long-awaited expansion into the country.
The news was revealed on Thursday by Robert Irwin, a prominent Australian wildlife enthusiast and TV personality, during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show." While details regarding the game date and time have yet to be announced, fans can expect this high-profile showdown to be one of the most highly anticipated events in 2026 NFL schedule.
As part of its multiyear commitment to global expansion, the NFL will also host games in Paris, Madrid, Munich, Mexico City, and London, with three London matches scheduled. The teams competing in these international fixtures have yet to be revealed, but sources indicate that the league is making steady progress toward establishing a more prominent presence globally.
The 49ers-Rams matchup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be one of nine international games played during the 2026 season, showcasing the NFL's growing ambition to become an even more inclusive and diverse sporting entity. With this historic event set to draw in fans from around the world, it promises to be a truly unforgettable experience for those fortunate enough to witness it live at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
In a move that promises to captivate football fans Down Under, the San Francisco 49ers have been confirmed as the Los Angeles Rams' opponent for the league's first-ever regular-season game in Australia. The highly anticipated matchup will take place at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking a significant milestone in the NFL's long-awaited expansion into the country.
The news was revealed on Thursday by Robert Irwin, a prominent Australian wildlife enthusiast and TV personality, during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show." While details regarding the game date and time have yet to be announced, fans can expect this high-profile showdown to be one of the most highly anticipated events in 2026 NFL schedule.
As part of its multiyear commitment to global expansion, the NFL will also host games in Paris, Madrid, Munich, Mexico City, and London, with three London matches scheduled. The teams competing in these international fixtures have yet to be revealed, but sources indicate that the league is making steady progress toward establishing a more prominent presence globally.
The 49ers-Rams matchup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be one of nine international games played during the 2026 season, showcasing the NFL's growing ambition to become an even more inclusive and diverse sporting entity. With this historic event set to draw in fans from around the world, it promises to be a truly unforgettable experience for those fortunate enough to witness it live at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.