The San Francisco 49ers now know what their path through the 2026 season looks like.
The full schedule was released Thursday, giving Kyle Shanahan’s team a slate that starts on the other side of the world and includes five primetime games. San Francisco will open against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, before returning home for three straight games at Levi’s Stadium.
The early stretch gives the 49ers a chance to settle in. The second half is where things get much harder.
The Full 2026 Schedule
Week 1: @ Rams in Melbourne, Australia – (Thursday, Sept. 10, Netflix)
Week 2: vs. Dolphins – (Sunday, Sept. 20, Fox)
Week 3: vs. Cardinals – (Sunday, Sept. 27, Fox)
Week 4: vs. Broncos – (Sunday, Oct. 4, CBS)
Week 5: @ Seahawks – (Sunday, Oct. 11, Fox)
Week 6: vs. Commanders – (Monday, Oct. 19, ESPN/ABC)
Week 7: @ Falcons – (Sunday, Oct. 25, Fox)
Week 8: Bye
Week 9: vs. Raiders – (Sunday, Nov. 8, CBS)
Week 10: @ Cowboys – (Sunday, Nov. 15, Fox)
Week 11: vs. Vikings in Mexico City – (Sunday, Nov. 22, NBC)
Week 12: vs. Seahawks – (Sunday, Nov. 29, Fox)
Week 13: @ Giants – (Sunday, Dec. 6, Fox)
Week 14: vs. Rams – (Sunday, Dec. 13, Fox)
Week 15: @ Chargers – (Thursday, Dec. 17, Prime)
Week 16: @ Chiefs – (Sunday, Dec. 27, CBS)
Week 17: vs. Eagles – (Sunday, Jan. 3, NBC)
Week 18: @ Cardinals – (TBD)
49ers Open Season Against Rams in Australia
The opener jumps out immediately.
San Francisco will face the Rams down under, in Melbourne in Week 1, giving the NFL its first regular-season game in Australia.
The 49ers are opening against a division rival. Against Sean McVay. In a setting where travel rhythm and preparation could play a real role.
Weeks 2 through 4 are all at home, which should give them time to recover from the Australia trip and build some rhythm before going back on the road.
GettyMELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 27: A general view during the AFL Grand Final match between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
49ers Get Five Primetime Games
San Francisco has five primetime games on the schedule.
The first comes immediately, with the Rams opener airing on Netflix. The 49ers also host the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football in Week 6, face the Minnesota Vikings in Mexico City on Sunday Night Football in Week 11, visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football in Week 15, and host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football in Week 17.
The Eagles game may be the biggest one on the slate.
San Francisco eliminated Philadelphia from the playoffs last season, and the two teams have built one of the more interesting NFC matchups in recent years. A Week 17 game at Levi’s Stadium could carry major playoff implications, especially if both teams are still fighting for seeding.
That is exactly the kind of late-season spot the NFL wants.
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Final Word for the 49ers
The schedule gives the 49ers opportunity early and pressure late.
The three-game home stretch after Australia helps. So does the Week 8 bye. San Francisco should have a real chance to find its rhythm before the hardest part of the season arrives.
The formula is simple. Win at home. Survive the travel. Stay healthy.
The schedule is set. Now the 49ers have to handle it.
49ers Full 2026 NFL Schedule: Dates, Opponents, Primetime Games