T
he NFL keeps going global. Over the last 20 years, the NFL has played games overseas, with games taking place in countries like England, Ireland, Brazil and Mexico. Looking to grow the game of football around the world, the NFL has looked to bring teams to different markets, forming fanbases that come together no matter what their nationality is. Playing even more NFL games overseas in 2025, the NFL has expanded to more countries in recent years.
But in 2026, the NFL is adding another country to its international ledger. Adding Melbourne, Australia to the mix, there will be a game played in Australia for the first time next season between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams.
The Melbourne Game
It is still unknown which team will be the designated home team, but the venue for the game between the 49ers and Rams has already been revealed. Set to play at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the game will be part of an NFL record nine international games for 2026– spread out across four continents, seven countries and eight venues.
“As we continue our preparations for the NFL’s first-ever regular season game at the MCG in Melbourne, we are delighted that the San Francisco 49ers will take on the Los Angeles Rams,” NFL Australia and New Zealand, GM Charlotte Offord, said. “The 49ers are a popular franchise within the Australian market, and this rivalry game solidifies what we know is going to be an incredible NFL experience for our fans down under.”
The 49ers are no strangers to playing in the international games, playing games overseas on four different occasions in recent seasons. Playing in Mexico City in 2005 and ’22, the 49ers also played in London in 2010 and ’13. Winning in 2022 in Mexico, the 49ers also took home a victory in London in 2010 over the Denver Broncos and in 2013 over the Jacksonville Jaguars but lost to the Arizona Cardinals in 2005.
How the 49ers Feel About the Game?
The 49ers are known for having a very strong fanbase that travels well, consistently filling up opposing teams stadiums whenever the team is on the road. And heading to Australia is a good opportunity for the franchise to not only grow their fanbase even more, but help the NFL grow American football in a place where it is not very common.
“This is a terrific opportunity to continue to support the league in its mission to grow the game of football,” 49ers CEO Al Guido said. “We look forward to working with the NFL to benefit local Australian communities through sport.”
State of Victoria premier, Jacinta Allen, commented on the 49ers coming to Australia, and said that a big entity like them coming to play an NFL game in the country is the ideal way for Australians to take interest in American football.
“Bringing the NFL to the MCG is a huge win both on and off the field — and hosting a team like the San Francisco 49ers will make it even better,” Allen said. “We can’t wait to welcome these two great teams to Melbourne and showcase the best of our city and our state.”
49ers to take on Los Angeles Rams in NFL’s First Ever Game in Australia