The National Football League has confirmed that the San Francisco 49ers will play the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2026. The matchup marks the first time a regular-season NFL game will be held in Australia.
The game features two divisional rivals from the NFC West. The San Francisco 49ers are among the league’s most successful teams, with five Super Bowl championships and a history that includes Hall of Fame players Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. The Los Angeles Rams have previously established marketing ties to the Australian region through the league’s Global Markets Program.
Government data indicates the United States is a significant source of tourism for Victoria. In the year ending September 2025, approximately 202,000 Americans visited the state, contributing $364 million to the local economy. Officials expect the international broadcast of the game to reach millions of viewers, potentially increasing future travel to the region.
The NFL’s international schedule for 2026 is set to expand to nine games. In addition to the Melbourne fixture, the league has planned contests in cities including London, Munich, Mexico City, and Madrid.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground, which has a capacity of 100,000, will host the event. The game joins a series of other major events scheduled for Victoria in 2026, such as the Australian Open golf tournament and the NRL State of Origin series. Specific ticketing details and a confirmed date for the 49ers-Rams game have not yet been announced.
