The NFL is heading Down Under.
In a historic move, the league announced plans to stage its first-ever game in Australia as part of its growing international series. The matchup will feature a pair of NFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, squaring off in Melbourne in 2026. While the exact date and venue details are still under wraps, the significance of the moment is already clear: the NFL is continuing to expand its global footprint, and Australia is the next major stop.
This won’t be the first time the NFL has taken its show on the road. The league has steadily increased its international presence over the last decade, with games in London, Mexico City, and most recently, Munich. The Seattle Seahawks, for example, have already played in both London and Germany in recent years-beating the Raiders in 2018 and falling to Tom Brady’s Buccaneers in 2022.
But this Australia game marks new territory, quite literally. It’s a bold step that speaks to the league’s commitment to growing the game beyond its traditional borders. And while fans back in the U.S.-particularly in Los Angeles and the Bay Area-might have mixed feelings about a division rivalry being played thousands of miles from home, there’s no denying the intrigue of seeing two storied franchises take the field in a brand-new setting.
For the Rams, this could be a unique advantage. While their home crowds at SoFi Stadium have sometimes been outnumbered by visiting fans (especially when the 49ers come to town), a neutral-site game in Australia might actually level the playing field-or even tilt it slightly in their favor. If nothing else, the Rams are no strangers to international travel and will likely embrace the opportunity to represent the league on a global stage.
As for the 49ers, they’re used to playing in high-stakes environments, and a trip to Melbourne won’t change that. Whether it’s Levi’s Stadium, SoFi, or halfway across the world, this is a team that brings intensity and physicality no matter the location.
There’s still plenty to be sorted out-kickoff time, ticket logistics, and how this game fits into the broader 2026 schedule-but one thing is certain: when the Rams and 49ers meet in Australia, it won’t just be another regular season game. It’ll be a landmark moment for the league, and a chance for Aussie fans to experience the NFL up close and personal.
Nine international games are on the docket for 2026, and this one figures to be among the most anticipated. Two division rivals, a new continent, and a sport that continues to push its boundaries. Get ready, Melbourne-football is coming your way.