The San Francisco 49ers are headed Down Under.
In 2026, the 49ers will take part in the NFL's first-ever regular-season game in Australia, facing the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The Rams will serve as the designated home team and the 49ers will travel to Australia as the away team for the historic matchup, marking a milestone moment for the league's global growth.
Last year, the NFL announced a multiyear commitment to host regular season games in Melbourne beginning in 2026, continuing its expansion into new international markets. One of the world's most recognizable sports venues, the MCG will host the NFL's first game that brings American football to one of the world's most passionate sports cities in Melbourne.
"Expanding to Melbourne, Australia, a beautiful city with a rich sports history, underlines our ambitions to become a global sport and accelerate international growth," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. "We look forward to making history in what is an important market for the NFL and a significant next step in expanding our international footprint."
"We're thrilled the NFL will be touching down in the sporting capital of Australia. Victoria is now the first-ever state in Australia to host a regular season NFL game," said Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan. "It's a win for jobs, a win for businesses and a win for fans who will get to see American football played at the iconic MCG."
The international Rams vs. 49ers matchup highlights the league's ongoing efforts to grow the game year-round through global partners, programs and initiatives, while giving fans across the world a chance to experience NFL football live. For the Faithful in Australia, 2026 will offer an exciting opportunity to see the red and gold on a global stage.
