The NFL has confirmed that the San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, during the 2026 season, instead of playing in Mexico. While Mexico will host a regular-season game in December 2026 at Estadio Banorte, the 49ers may still play a second international game there. This move is part of the league's global expansion, featuring nine games outside the United States that year.
The National Football League (NFL) announced its 2026 international schedule, highlighting that the San Francisco 49ers will play in the first regular-season game in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which holds 100,000 spectators. The Rams will serve as the home team and the 49ers as visitors, as part of a multi-year commitment starting that year.
Commissioner Roger Goodell underscored the league's global ambitions: “Expanding to Melbourne, Australia, a beautiful city with a rich sporting history, underscores our ambitions to become a global sport and accelerate international growth.” This will be one of nine official games outside the United States in 2026, the highest number in NFL history, spread across London (three), Madrid, Munich, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Melbourne, and Mexico City.
Mexico, home to nearly 40 million fans—the largest number outside the U.S.—returns to the map under a three-year agreement with the NFL. The first game is set for December 2026 at Estadio Banorte, renovated for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The last NFL game in Mexico was on November 21, 2022, when the 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 38-10.
Although the 49ers won't play their main international game in Mexico, sources like ESPN suggest they could contest two away games that year, with the second possibly in Mexico City. 49ers owner Jed York showed openness: “We will very likely give up a home game to play an international game, and Mexico is always number one on my list.” Goodell praised the team's longstanding willingness: “The 49ers raised their hand from day one and said they are ready.”
Arturo Olive, NFL Mexico's general director, welcomed the return: “This is an exciting moment for the NFL in Mexico, and we hope to continue leveraging this momentum in the coming years.” The teams for the Mexico game have not yet been announced, and the league aims for 16 international games per season so every franchise plays at least one annually.
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has urged balancing expansion with player health, considering the effects of long travels.
