Whether fans like it or not, the NFL is determined to expand its game to countless international markets.
It was confirmed in March that Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season will feature an NFC West showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. They’ll compete at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.
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49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has already made it known that he’s not thrilled about traveling to Australia for a regular-season game.
“I don’t see any pro,” Shanahan said. “It’s cool for the league to play globally. I think that’s awesome. But as far as the team doing it, no, there’s not much benefit to it. Sometimes it’s nice to get a bye week after but doesn’t happen in Week 1.”
While the 49ers might not be fond of this trip to the Land Down Under, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made it clear that Australia will be part of the league’s long-term plans.
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“There’s no question that we’re going to be playing here again,” Goodell said, via Reuters. “Our view is that we’re coming here for the long term. We don’t come as a one-off. This isn’t a circus.”
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell looks on from the podium after the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The NFL is going international.
There’ll be nine international games played during the 2026 NFL season. As previously mentioned, the action will kick off with the 49ers and Rams in Week 1. We also can’t forget the 49ers will be the home team for a game in Mexico City later this year.
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London will have the honor of hosting three games this fall, with the Jacksonville Jaguars set to appear in two of them. The 2026 schedule also has the Atlanta Falcons competing in Madrid, the New Orleans Saints traveling to Paris and the Detroit Lions heading to Munich.
Last but certainly not least, the Dallas Cowboys will travel to Brazil for a rumored showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Apr 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.