49ers to Open 2026 Season vs. Rams in Melbourne on Sept. 10

The San Francisco 49ers will launch their 2026 campaign on the other side of the Pacific, facing the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia. The Week 1 contest is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10 at 5:35 p.m. PT, translating to a 10:35 a.m. Friday kickoff (AEST) at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 17-hour time difference means American viewers will watch the primetime opener while Melbourne fans greet the morning with marquee football.