Melbourne to Host First-Ever NFL Regular Season Game in 2026: The Industry’s Worst-Kept Secret Becomes Reality

The NFL’s worst-kept secret has been confirmed. Melbourne will host its first-ever regular season NFL game at the iconic MCG in 2026, with the Los Angeles Rams designated as the home team.

This announcement follows last Sunday’s revelation by The Herald Sun, which first reported that Melbourne was set to host multiple in-season NFL games, beginning with a Rams vs. Eagles matchup in October 2026. While the NFL remained silent at the time, the report correctly forecasted a landmark moment in Australian sports history.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell officially unveiled the league’s multiyear commitment to Melbourne, emphasizing Australia’s growing importance as a global market for American football.

“Expanding to Melbourne, a city with a rich sports history, underlines our ambitions to become a truly global sport,” Goodell stated. “We look forward to making history with the Victorian State Government, Visit Victoria, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground.”

Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan emphasized the economic and cultural impact of the deal:

“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. It’s a win for jobs, a win for businesses, and a win for fans.”

The deal aligns with the NFL’s Global Markets Program, which allows teams to expand their brand internationally. Under this initiative, the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles were granted marketing rights in Australia, making the Rams a natural fit to headline the historic game.

Rams Ready to Make History

Los Angeles Rams Owner and Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke highlighted the deep connection between the Rams and Australian fans:

“When we identified Australia as a global market, it wasn’t just because of our passionate fanbase, but also because of the connection Los Angeles shares as a gateway to the Pacific. Today’s announcement is a monumental step for both the Rams and the entire Kroenke Sports & Entertainment family.”

While the Rams have been confirmed as the home team, their opponent, game date, and kickoff time will be announced later. The previously rumored Philadelphia Eagles may still be in play, but the NFL has yet to confirm it.

A Booming Market for American Football

Beyond the NFL’s flagship event, the league has been investing heavily in grassroots development in Australia. Since 2022, the league has:

• Opened its Australia & New Zealand office on the Gold Coast
• Established NFL Flag football programs in over 300 schools
• Launched the NFL Academy APAC for young athletes aged 12-18

With flag football set to debut in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the NFL’s expansion into Australia is part of a broader strategy to grow the sport across the Asia-Pacific region.

Melbourne Joins the NFL’s International Club

Melbourne’s official confirmation as an NFL host city follows a growing trend of league expansion beyond the U.S. Since the inception of the NFL’s international games, 55 regular season matchups have been hosted in cities including London, Munich, Frankfurt, São Paulo, Mexico City, and Toronto.

In 2025, the NFL will host games in London, Berlin, and Madrid, solidifying its global presence. With Melbourne joining the mix, Australia is now firmly in the conversation as a future hub for American football.

What’s Next?

Fans eager to secure their spot at this historic game can register for updates at nfl.com/Melbourne. The NFL will announce further details, including ticketing and fan events, in the coming months.

For Australian sports fans, the arrival of the NFL was inevitable—the conversation has been growing for years. Now, the league’s worst-kept secret is finally confirmed, and Melbourne is ready to deliver an unforgettable show.