March 17, 2026, 12:00 p.m. PT
The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers know they will be squaring off in Australia next season, a game that’s set to be played in Week 1 of the regular season. Because of the time difference, the NFL will give both teams extra travel time, which is why it won’t be a traditional Sunday afternoon game.
According to Joe Flint of the Wall Street Journal, the game will be played on Thursday night in Week 1. It just won’t be the first game of the 2026 season. The broadcast network for Rams-49ers is still unclear, per Flint.
Rather, there will be a Wednesday night game on NBC to open the season – a slot that’s typically reserved for the defending Super Bowl champions. So, will the Seahawks take that spot on Wednesday Night Football for NBC? That’s to be determined.
It makes sense that the NFL would put Rams-49ers on Thursday night, allowing them more time to travel back to the states and get ready for their Week 2 games. It would make even more sense to put it on Wednesday night, but that might upstage the Seahawks as the season opener.
Regardless, the Rams are slated to open the year in prime time against a division rival halfway across the globe. It’s unfortunate that they’ll lose a home game for it, but playing the first-ever regular-season game in Australia is a pretty cool feat.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
