NFL to Make History as 49ers and Rams Clash at the MCG in 2026

The National Football League (NFL) has announced the matchup for its historic first-ever regular-season game in Australia, confirming the San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Announced on 5 February 2026 in partnership with Visit Victoria, the blockbuster NFC West rivalry game marks an escalation in the league’s global expansion, which will feature a record nine international games across four continents this year.

The reason behind this specific matchup leverages the existing commercial footprint of both franchises in the Asia-Pacific region. The Los Angeles Rams have held international marketing rights in Australia since 2021 via the Global Markets Program, while the 49ers boast one of the largest and most “passionate” fanbases in the country.

With the MCG capable of hosting over 100,000 spectators, the NFL aims to set a new international attendance record, surpassing the previous high of 78,000 set in Mexico City.

Commenting on the announcement, NFL Australia & New Zealand general manager, Charlotte Offord, said: “As we continue our preparations for the NFL’s first-ever regular season game at the MCG… we are delighted that the San Francisco 49ers will take on the Los Angeles Rams.”

“The 49ers are a popular franchise within the Australian market, and this rivalry game solidifies what we know is going to be an incredible experience,” Offord said.

NFL Matchup Details & Global Context

The game is part of a broader “NFL World Tour” in 2026 that includes debuts and returns to several global capitals:

• The Rams will serve as the “home” team, while the 49ers enter as the “visitor,” maintaining their fierce divisional rivalry on neutral ground.

• The MCG (Australia) joins an elite list of 2026 international hosts, including the Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid), Stade de France (Paris), and Maracanã Stadium (Rio de Janeiro).

• While the official date remains TBA (pending the mid-May 2026 schedule release), the game is expected to take place in September or October, likely on a Monday morning in Melbourne to capture the Sunday afternoon prime-time window in the U.S.

Flag Football and the “Olympic Effect”

The NFL’s commitment to Australia is deeply tied to the inclusion of Flag Football in the LA28 Olympic Games:

There are currently almost 100,000 participants in NFL Flag programs across 500 Australian schools. The NFL Academy APAC, launched in 2024, is actively scouting Australian athletes for the college and professional pipeline, following in the footsteps of local punting pioneers. Premier Jacinta Allan, noted the game is a “huge win” for Victoria’s tourism economy, aligning with marketing campaigns designed to expose American audiences to the state’s sporting capital.

Ticketing and Hospitality

Fans are encouraged to register their interest at nfl.com/Melbourne to receive updates on the official sale date:

The NFL’s official hospitality partner has launched a Priority Access deposit program, allowing fans to secure first choice of ticket and travel packages. Rams Season Ticket Members will have access to an exclusive presale window, to be announced later this year.

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