The NFL makes a major announcement regarding the first game in Australia

The NFL is taking another step forward in its international expansion.

The upcoming season will see the San Francisco 49ers face their division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, in the NFL's first-ever regular-season game in Australia, the league confirmed on Thursday.

The game will take place in Melbourne, specifically at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, an iconic stadium that can accommodate nearly 100,000 spectators. The Rams had already been designated as the host team for this game, which is part of a multi-year commitment to strengthen the NFL's presence in the Australian market.

This announcement is part of an exceptional international schedule: the NFL will offer nine international games during the 2026 season, including unprecedented matches in Paris and Rio de Janeiro. This is a true global expansion that confirms the league's growing appeal beyond North America.

Charlotte Offord, NFL Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, emphasizes the importance of this matchup: “The 49ers are very popular in Australia, and this game against the Rams will offer our fans a unique and memorable NFL experience.”

She points out that the rivalry between these two teams is already closely followed in the United States and promises an intense spectacle for the Australian audience.

The exact schedule andkickoff time will be announced at a later date. The Rams already have marketing rights in Australia since the launch of the NFL's international program in 2022, which has allowed them to develop a strong fan base in the region.

With this historic game, the NFL is demonstrating its commitment to expanding its international footprint, offering Australian and global fans the opportunity to experience the excitement of American football live. The 49ers and Rams are therefore preparing to write a new chapter in the league's history, this time on Australian soil.

This content was created with the help of AI.