The NFL is continuing its global expansion in a major way, announcing that the San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams in Australia during the 2026 season in a standalone Thursday night matchup.

Set to be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the game will mark the league’s first regular-season contest on Australian soil.

The NFC West showdown already carried intrigue, but the international stage and primetime slot elevate it even further.

By placing the game on Thursday night, the league ensures maximum visibility while also giving both teams additional time to adjust to the long travel and unique circumstances.

For the 49ers and Rams, it’s an opportunity to showcase one of the NFL’s premier rivalries to a global audience.

For the league, it represents another step in growing the game internationally, as the NFL continues to prioritize expanding its reach beyond the United States in a big way.