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Kyle Shanahan adjusts to Australia ahead of 49ers and Rams season opener

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 1:42 AM

Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Kyle Shanahan adjusts to Australia ahead of 49ers and Rams season opener

Summary

The San Francisco 49ers are in Melbourne to prepare for their September 7, 2026, season-opening game against the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed initial frustration over the NFL moving a Rams home game to Australia, citing the logistical demands of an international trip and the loss of a home-field advantage where 49ers fans traditionally outnumber the home crowd. Despite these concerns, Shanahan acknowledged the venue and timing are appropriate for the high-stakes NFC West division contest. 49ers linebacker Fred Warner expressed optimism about the team's ability to maintain a strong presence in the stadium regardless of location. The matchup marks the first regular-season NFL game held in Australia, with both teams continuing their preparations at AAMI Park ahead of kickoff.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•The 49ers and Rams meet in Melbourne for the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia.
•Kyle Shanahan initially criticized moving the game away from SoFi Stadium due to the loss of a crowd advantage.
•San Francisco arrived in Melbourne over a week early to manage time zone adjustments and travel logistics.
•The 49ers are considered the NFL's most popular team in Australia according to league popularity data.

Latest Updates

1:42 AMYahoo Sports — Kyle Shanahan says NFL let Rams ‘off the hook’ with Australia home game
3:05 PMYahoo Sports — 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan still annoyed Rams were ‘let off the hook’ with Australia escape

What they're saying

"
Kyle Shanahan has warmed to Australia. His grievance with Los Angeles, however, remains fully intact. After spending several days in Melbourne ahead of San Francisco’s Week 1 showdown with the...
— Yahoo Sports