Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers play in Melbourne
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 4:12 AM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are set to face each other in an NFL regular-season game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. This fixture marks the league's first game in the Asia-Pacific region and represents its longest international road trip to date. The venue, which seats approximately 100,000 spectators, sold out shortly after tickets became available in April 2026. The matchup features division rivals competing as part of the NFL's nine-game international schedule for 2026. Interest in American football has grown significantly in Australia, with the league reporting an estimated 8.8 million fans in the country. The event is supported by the state of Victoria, which expects to see an economic return on its investment through tourism and local activity.
- •The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
- •This is the first NFL regular-season game hosted in the Asia-Pacific region.
- •The NFL estimates the Australian fan base has nearly doubled since 2022 to 8.8 million people.
- •Flag football is being promoted in over 500 Australian schools to support the 2032 Olympic bid.
- •The game is scheduled for Friday at 01:35 BST.
- 4:12 AMYahoo Sports — NFL international slate includes Melbourne, Rio and Paris. What to know about all 9 games abroad
- 6:37 AMYahoo Sports — Why is there an NFL game in Australia?
- 6:36 AMBBC Sport — Why is there an NFL game in Australia?
"The NFL will play a record nine games internationally this season and they include three cities hosting for the first time: Melbourne, Australia; Rio de Janeiro; and Paris. The NFL's first international game of the season might be hard to top attendance-wise.
"The NFL has so far played regular-season games in seven international countries but this week's trip to Australia represents a new frontier for the USA's biggest sports league.
"The NFL has so far played regular-season games in seven international countries but this week's trip to Australia represents a new frontier for the USA's biggest sports league.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 11, 2026, 4:12 AMNFL international slate includes Melbourne, Rio and Paris. What to know about all 9 games abroad
The NFL will play a record nine games internationally this season and they include three cities hosting for the first time: Melbourne, Australia; Rio de Janeiro; and Paris. The NFL's first international game of the season might be hard to top attendance-wise.
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 6:37 AMWhy is there an NFL game in Australia?
The NFL has so far played regular-season games in seven international countries but this week's trip to Australia represents a new frontier for the USA's biggest sports league.
- BBC SportSep 10, 2026, 6:36 AMWhy is there an NFL game in Australia?
The NFL has so far played regular-season games in seven international countries but this week's trip to Australia represents a new frontier for the USA's biggest sports league.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Oct 25, 2026, 12:07 PMNFC team connected as potential trade candidate for Colts' DeForest Buckner
NFL•Oct 25, 2026, 12:06 PMThe Loop Fantasy Football Update Week 7: Last-minute moves
NFL•Oct 25, 2026, 12:05 PMAre the Chargers playing today? NFL Week 7 schedule, next game, AFC West standings
NFL•Oct 25, 2026, 12:02 PMFormer Bengals LB Germaine Pratt gets Colts call-up ahead of Week 7
NFL•Oct 25, 2026, 12:01 PMSources: Skattebo expected to resume role as Giants' lead RB vs. Texans
NFL•Oct 25, 2026, 12:01 PMRams WR Nacua misses practice, questionable vs. Raiders with calf injury