NFL names 49ers to face Rams in Aussie regular-season debut
Published on Friday, 6 February 2026 at 12:57 pm

The National Football League (NFL) made history on Thursday by announcing that the San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams in the league's first regular-season game in Australia. The highly anticipated matchup is set to take place in Melbourne later this year, marking a significant milestone in the NFL's efforts to expand its global reach. The game is expected to draw a massive crowd, with Australian fans eager to witness the excitement of American football firsthand.
The 49ers and Rams are two of the most storied franchises in the NFL, with a long and storied history of competition. The two teams have been divisional rivals for decades, and their matchups are often intense and closely contested. The Rams, who won the Super Bowl in 2022, will be looking to continue their dominance over the 49ers, who have been rebuilding their roster in recent years. The 49ers, however, have a strong young core and are expected to be a competitive force in the league this season.
The decision to hold a regular-season game in Australia is a significant step forward for the NFL's international expansion efforts. The league has been playing regular-season games in London since 2007, and has also hosted games in Mexico City and Canada. However, this will be the first time the NFL has played a regular-season game in Australia, and the league is eager to tap into the country's growing enthusiasm for American football. The game is expected to be a major success, with ticket sales already brisk and local fans eager to experience the excitement of the NFL.
The NFL has been working closely with the Australian government and local sports authorities to bring the game to Melbourne. The league has also been partnering with local businesses and organizations to promote the game and grow interest in American football throughout the country. The game is expected to be a major economic boost for the city of Melbourne, with thousands of fans expected to travel from around the country to attend the game.
The 49ers and Rams will be looking to put on a show for the Australian fans, and the game is expected to be a closely contested and exciting matchup. With the NFL's international expansion efforts continuing to gain momentum, this game is just the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful partnership between the league and Australian football fans.
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Source: rrdailyherald
