NFL Heads Down Under: 49ers-Rams to Kick Off 2026 Season in Melbourne
Get ready for a little Wednesday night football - yes, you read that right. The NFL is shaking things up in 2026, and it’s not just about who’s playing, but where. The league is reportedly planning to open the season with a marquee NFC West matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, but this time, it’s happening halfway across the globe - in Melbourne, Australia.
The game is set to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of the most iconic stadiums in the world and a venue capable of packing in over 100,000 fans. That’s a massive stage for what’s already a heated rivalry.
But with a 19-hour time difference and a 15-hour flight in play, the NFL is eyeing either Wednesday, September 9, or Thursday, September 10, for kickoff. The early start would give both teams a bit of breathing room before returning to the U.S. for Week 2 - a smart move when you’re dealing with that kind of travel and recovery.
This international twist doesn’t just affect the Rams and 49ers - it could reshape the entire opening weekend. Traditionally, the defending Super Bowl champion hosts the Thursday night opener. And after the Seattle Seahawks claimed their second Lombardi Trophy with a 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, they’re in line for a big-time home opener at Lumen Field.
Here’s the wrinkle: if the Melbourne showdown kicks off on Wednesday, the Seahawks will stick to their usual Thursday night slot on NBC. But if the Australian game lands on Thursday, Seattle would be bumped to Wednesday, giving us a rare double dose of football midweek.
As for the matchup itself, it’s got plenty of juice. The Rams, who hold international marketing rights in Australia, will be the designated home team.
They’re led by Matthew Stafford, who recently confirmed he’ll return for his 18th NFL season. After a 2025 campaign that saw them drop three hard-fought games to the Seahawks, the Rams are eyeing this as a chance to reset - and maybe get a little payback.
On the other side, the 49ers continue to be one of the league’s most beloved teams abroad, and especially in Australia. Their brand travels well, and this game feels like a long-awaited live-action moment for a passionate fan base that’s been following from afar for years.
So yes, Wednesday night football is coming - and it’s bringing the NFL to the Southern Hemisphere in a way we’ve never seen before. The league has been expanding its global footprint for years, but this matchup?
It’s more than a game. It’s a statement.
And if the energy from Rams-49ers is any indication, the MCG is going to be rocking.