The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will play next season’s first NFL game in Australia, the league announced Thursday. The Melbourne Cricket Ground will be the venue for one of the NFC West rivals’ two regular season games in 2026.
Earlier this week, the NFL announced a record nine international games in 2026 in Australia, France, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Mexico and England (three).
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The long flight to Melbourne will only add to the travel miles both teams are accustomed to. Last season, the NFC West led the NFL with 114,833 miles driven. The Rams (34,83) and 49ers (28,363) round out the top five of all teams.
The Rams are one of four NFL teams, along with the Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles, that have international marketing rights in Australia and New Zealand. Los Angeles acquired broadcast rights in Australia in 2021. A year later, the NFL opened an office in Australia and created a flag football program and academy.
Last season’s games were held in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Berlin, Germany; Dublin, Ireland; Madrid, Spain; and three in London, England.
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NFL 2026 International Schedule
Melbourne, Australia: Los Angeles Rams take on San Francisco 49ers at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Paris, France: New Orleans Saints vs. TBA at Stade de France
madrid spain: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to be determined
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Maracana Stadium TBD
Munich, Germany: TBA at Allianz Arena
Monterrey, Mexico: TBA, Barnault Stadium
London, UK: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to be determined (two games)
London, UK: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. TBA at Wembley Stadium
