MELBOURNE, Australia (Diya TV) — The National Football League will make history in 2026 when the San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the league’s first-ever regular-season game in Australia. The matchup will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues.
The announcement marks a major step in the NFL’s global expansion and highlights Australia’s growing role in the league’s international strategy. The game will be played in partnership with the Victorian State Government and Visit Victoria. Officials will release the date, kickoff time, and ticket details at a later stage.
The Melbourne game will be part of a record nine NFL international games in 2026. These games will span four continents, seven countries, and eight stadiums. The league continues to build momentum outside the United States as global interest in American football rises.
NFL Australia and New Zealand General Manager Charlotte Offord said the 49ers-Rams matchup fits perfectly with the league’s goals in the region. She noted that the 49ers have a strong fan base in Australia and that the rivalry will deliver a memorable experience for local fans.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground, known as the MCG, can hold more than 100,000 spectators. It regularly hosts major events, including cricket finals, Australian rules football, and international concerts. The NFL expects the venue to provide a dramatic stage for its Australian debut.
San Francisco 49ers CEO Al Guido said the game offers a chance to support the league’s mission to grow football worldwide. He added that the team looks forward to working with the NFL to support Australian communities through sport.
Los Angeles Rams President Kevin Demoff described the event as a historic moment for the league and the franchise. He said the Rams have seen strong interest from Australian fans since securing marketing rights in the country in 2021. Demoff added that the team plans to deepen its connection with the Melbourne community during the offseason leading up to the game.
The Rams, along with the Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders, and Philadelphia Eagles, hold international marketing rights in Australia and New Zealand under the NFL’s Global Markets Program. All 32 NFL teams now take part in the program, which covers 21 global markets.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said hosting the NFL at the MCG represents a major win for the state. She said welcoming teams like the 49ers and Rams will help showcase Melbourne and Victoria to a global audience.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the event will shine an international spotlight on the city. He noted that major sports events already deliver strong tourism benefits and that the NFL game will attract visitors from around the world. State officials expect the game to boost travel, hospitality, and global exposure for Melbourne.
The NFL estimates that more than 7.5 million fans in Australia follow the league. In recent years, the NFL has increased its investment across the Asia-Pacific region. The league opened its Australia and New Zealand office on the Gold Coast in 2022.
The NFL also launched an NFL Flag football program in Australia in 2022. The non-contact format now reaches nearly 100,000 participants across more than 500 schools. The league officially opened the NFL Academy APAC in 2024 to help develop young talent. Flag football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. League officials see Australia as a key market for future growth, with long-term aspirations that include the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
The Melbourne matchup will join a packed international schedule in 2026. Cities set to host games include London, Madrid, Mexico City, Munich, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro. Several of those markets will host NFL regular-season games for the first time.
Since 2007, the NFL has played 62 regular-season games outside the United States. Past host cities include London, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, São Paulo, Mexico City, Toronto, and Dublin. Fans interested in the Melbourne game can visit nfl.com/Melbourne for updates and ticket information. The league will share additional details later this year as preparations continue for a landmark moment in NFL history.
