The San Francisco 49ers will be the team facing the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in the first regular-season NFL game in Australia next season, the league said Thursday.
The league had announced last year that it will be playing a game in 2026 in Melbourne at the MCG.
The Rams were announced last year as the home team for that game, part of a multi-year commitment to play in Melbourne.
Kobie Turner pressures San Francisco quarterback Mac Jones.Credit: Los Angeles Rams
The NFL will play a record nine international games next season.
The league has confirmed three games in London and one each in Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Munich, Madrid and Paris.
“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.
“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.”
The date and kickoff time will be announced later, but the match is likely to be played in early September in a mid-morning timeslot to suit US television audiences.
The Rams have had marketing rights in Australia since the NFL started its international marketing program in 2022.
