NFL Makes History as 49ers and Rams Prepare for First Regular-Season Game in Australia

September 7, 2026 — USA Sports News

The NFL is taking another major step onto the international stage as the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams prepare for a historic regular-season matchup in Australia.

The game will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and marks the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia. The league is expanding its international schedule to a record nine overseas games this season.

49ers Focus on Adjusting to Australia

San Francisco arrived in Australia early to give players and coaches additional time to adjust to the major time-zone difference.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that the transition has been unusual, with the team changing its daily schedule and training routines ahead of the game.

The 49ers have also used detailed sleep and nutrition plans to help players prepare for the unusual kickoff time.

Rams Take a Different Approach

The Los Angeles Rams are taking a different strategy. Rather than arriving a week early, the Rams plan to arrive much closer to game day and maintain their normal preparation routine.

The contrasting approaches have added another interesting storyline to an already historic matchup.

Why This Game Matters

The matchup is bigger than a single regular-season game.

The NFL has been aggressively expanding its international presence, and Australia represents another major market for American football.

A successful game in Melbourne could strengthen the league’s plans for more international games in the future.

Fans Around the World Are Watching

The 49ers and Rams enter the matchup with plenty of attention surrounding them.

San Francisco is looking to bounce back after a disappointing playoff loss last season, while the Rams will attempt to make the most of the historic occasion.

With international expansion becoming an increasingly important part of the NFL’s strategy, this game could become one of the most memorable moments of the 2026 season.

What Happens Next?

All eyes will be on Melbourne as the 49ers and Rams prepare to make NFL history.

For American football fans, the game offers something completely different: a regular-season NFL matchup played thousands of miles away from the United States.