The NFL is set to make history this year with its first regular season game in Australia, featuring a highly anticipated matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. Scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the event represents a significant milestone for the league as it expands its global reach.
In a statement released on Thursday, the NFL confirmed that the game will occur in Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city after Sydney. Al Guido, CEO of the 49ers, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating, “This is a terrific opportunity to continue to support the league in its mission to grow the game of football. We look forward to working with the NFL to benefit local Australian communities through sport.”
The excitement surrounding the matchup is palpable. Charlotte Offord, general manager of NFL Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the popularity of the 49ers within the Australian market. She remarked, “This rivalry game solidifies what we know is going to be an incredible NFL experience for our fans down under.”
The Rams, who hold marketing rights in Australia as part of the NFL’s Global Market Program, are equally enthusiastic. Kevin Demoff, president of the Rams, stated, “As we make history with the NFL and bring the first regular season game to Australia, we are pleased to take our annual match-up against our NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers to the MCG.” He noted the tremendous excitement from fans both in Australia and across the globe since securing marketing rights to the country in 2021.
The MCG, renowned for its rich sporting history, is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere, accommodating around 100,000 spectators. While it is primarily associated with cricket, the venue is also a popular site for Australian rules football and has hosted significant events, including the 1956 Summer Olympics.
This game is part of a record nine international matchups scheduled for the upcoming 2026 NFL season. Alongside the Melbourne game, the league will host events in various locations, including Madrid, Spain; Mexico City, Mexico; Munich, Germany; Paris, France; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
While the specifics of the date and kickoff time for the Australian game have yet to be announced, the NFL typically reveals its schedules for the upcoming season in May. Ticket information will also be shared at a later date, promising to deliver an exciting experience for fans eager to witness this historic event.
As the NFL continues to expand its footprint internationally, the upcoming game in Australia signals a new chapter for American football, bringing the sport closer to fans around the world.
