The Rams and 49ers will make NFL history in 2026 when their rivalry heads to Melbourne for the league’s first-ever regular-season game in Australia
The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will meet in a historic matchup in 2026. The teams will play the first regular-season game in Australia in the history of the National Football League.
League officials announced Thursday that the game will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The stadium holds more than 100,000 fans. The Rams will serve as the designated home team.
Under coach Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco has consistently been competitive. The 49ers won 13 games and the NFC West in 2019, reached multiple NFC Championship Games, and made two Super Bowl appearances. Most recently, the team went 12-5 in 2025 and earned a playoff berth despite injuries to key players, including quarterback Brock Purdy (turf toe), linebacker Fred Warner (broken ankle), and tight end George Kittle (hamstring and ankle issues).
Credit: Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The matchup adds another chapter to one of the NFC West’s most competitive rivalries in the NFC West. Over the years, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams have met more than 140 times. Their recent history includes major playoff meetings, including San Francisco’s run to Super Bowl LIV in the 2019 season and the Rams’ NFC Championship Game victory in the 2021 season on the way to a Super Bowl title.
The Rams, led by coach Sean McVay, won Super Bowl LVI in the 2021 season. Since then, the team has reshaped its roster while relying more on younger players. The Rams released longtime wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who later signed with the Seattle Seahawks and faced Los Angeles in the NFC Championship Game, which Seattle won 31–27.
The Rams signed veteran wide receiver Davante Adams in 2025 and drafted Puka Nacua in 2023 to strengthen the offense. Nacua soon emerged as a central figure, setting rookie records for receptions and receiving yards and earning Pro Bowl honors. At the same time, the Rams increased their reliance on recent draft picks and developing talent on both sides of the ball. The shift reflects a move from a veteran-heavy championship roster to a more balanced lineup built for long-term success.
Puka Nacua points for a first downCredit: Los Angeles Rams
Scroll to continue reading
The Melbourne game highlights the NFL’s expanding global reach. The contest is part of the league’s record international schedule for 2026. In total, the NFL will stage nine regular-season games across four continents.
The slate includes the 49ers-Rams matchup in Australia, marking the league’s first regular-season game there. The New Orleans Saints will also play at Stade de France in Paris in France’s first NFL regular-season game, though the league has not yet announced their opponent.
The expanded schedule reflects the league’s push for global growth. Over the past decade, the NFL has increased its overseas presence. It has hosted regular games in London, Germany, and Mexico City.
For now, the league has not announced the exact date or kickoff time for the Melbourne matchup. Officials said they are working with both teams on travel and recovery plans.
Meanwhile, organizers expect to release ticket information later this spring. They anticipate strong demand from local fans and international travelers
League officials say the Melbourne game will serve as both a showcase and a test and could lead to more regular-season games in the Pacific region.