The NFL will host its inaugural regular season game in Australia, featuring a matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams later this year. The league made this announcement on Thursday, revealing that the game will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), situated in Melbourne, Australia’s second-most populous city.
This historic event marks a significant milestone for the NFL as it seeks to expand its global reach. In a statement, 49ers CEO Al Guido expressed enthusiasm for 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.”
Charlotte Offord, general manager of NFL Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the popularity of the 49ers in Australia, emphasizing that this rivalry game promises to deliver an exceptional experience for fans. “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,” she said.
The Rams hold marketing rights to Australia as part of the league’s Global Market Program. Kevin Demoff, president of the Rams, remarked on the historic nature of the event, stating, “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 further noted the excitement surrounding the team, which has grown since they secured marketing rights in 2021 and announced this game last year.
The MCG is notable for its size, being the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere, with a capacity of approximately 100,000. While primarily known for cricket, the venue has also hosted Australian rules football and was the site of the 1956 Summer Olympics.
Looking ahead, this game is part of a record nine international matchups scheduled for the NFL’s upcoming 2026 season. In addition to the Australian game, the league plans to host events in various cities, including London, Madrid, Mexico City, Munich, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro.
As of now, the specific date and kickoff time for the game in Australia have not been announced. The NFL typically releases its season schedules in May. Ticket information will also be provided at a later date, allowing fans to secure their seats for this landmark event.
