Rams vs. 49ers Set to Make NFL History in Australia Clash
The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers have had their fair share of hard-hitting, high-stakes battles over the years. But in 2026, their storied rivalry is heading somewhere it’s never been before-halfway across the world. The Rams are officially set to host the 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, marking the first-ever NFL regular-season game played Down Under.
And if you’re wondering why these two teams got the nod, look no further than the NFC West’s dominance in 2025. This division wasn’t just competitive-it was a gauntlet.
Nearly half of the NFC playoff bracket came out of the West, and the Rams and Seahawks went toe-to-toe in a divisional showdown that capped off a season filled with elite matchups. The Seahawks had already dispatched the 49ers in the previous round, a testament to the depth and intensity of this division.
Now, the league is taking that energy global.
From California to the Continent
The Rams-49ers rivalry is one of the most physical in football-built on trench warfare, defensive grit, and just enough offensive fireworks to keep fans on the edge of their seats. That kind of football is tailor-made for an Australian audience, especially one that already embraces the bone-jarring collisions of rugby. It’s no coincidence the NFL chose these two teams to introduce American football to a brand-new stage.
The game will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of the most iconic stadiums in the Southern Hemisphere. And while the exact date hasn’t been announced, the timing will likely fall in the middle of the NFL season, given the seasonal flip between hemispheres.
A Long Way From Home
For Rams fans, this marks the second straight year their team will play internationally-last year it was England, this year it's Australia. That’s quite the travel itinerary, but it’s also a clear sign of the NFL’s growing international ambitions. The Rams’ trip is one of nine international games scheduled for 2026, with the league eyeing a future where every team plays at least one game abroad each season.
That’s a big shift in the NFL landscape. And while it’s still early days for the league’s global expansion, the appetite is clearly there.
International games have consistently drawn packed stadiums, passionate crowds, and plenty of new fans eager to learn the game. The question now is how many Rams and 49ers faithful will make the journey to Melbourne.
It’s a long haul, no doubt-but history suggests that NFL fans travel well, especially when it’s a chance to be part of something unprecedented.
A Rivalry Without Borders
This isn’t just a California clash anymore. The Rams-49ers rivalry is officially going international.
And it’s not just about marketing or expanding the brand-it’s about showcasing one of the NFL’s most intense matchups on a global stage. These games have always been must-watch TV.
Now, they’re becoming must-see events-no matter where you are in the world.
So if you're a fan of big hits, high stakes, and historic moments, you might want to start checking those flight prices. The NFL is heading to Australia, and it’s bringing one of its fiercest rivalries with it.
Passport required. Rivalry renewed.