San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams To Play First-Ever NFL Game 'Down Under'

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams are going international next season, playing in the first-ever NFL game in the land "down under."

The NFL announced Thursday the plan for the two teams to take each other on during the 2026 season at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia — the second-largest cricket venue in the world. It will be part of an NFL-record nine international games that will be played across the world next season.

Australia is a country considered to have a growing NFL presence with more than seven million fans. The NFL established its own flag football program in Australia in 2022 and then the NFL Academy APAC in 2024. Today, more than 100,000 people take part in flag football across the country, according to the NFL.

"As we continue our preparations for the NFL's first-ever regular season game at the MCG in Melbourne, we are delighted that the San Francisco 49ers will take on the Los Angeles Rams," NFL Australia & New Zealand General Manager Charlotte Offord said in a statement. "The 49ers are a popular franchise within the Australian market, and this rivalry game solidifies what we know is going to be an incredible NFL experience for our fans down under."

In addition to Australia, the NFL has also announced games expected to take place in Spain, Brazil, England, Mexico, France and Germany.

The date or kickoff time for the "Melbourne Game" has yet to be released. The 49ers and Rams are some of the NFL's top teams. Both made it to the playoffs this season before losing out on a Super Bowl berth at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks.