The NFL has officially arrived Down Under, with the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers preparing to make history in the league’s first regular-season game in Australia at the MCG.
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Australian fans will get the chance to witness one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history after Aaron Donald sensationally came out of retirement to rejoin the Rams on a one-year, $20 million deal that can reach $30m through incentives.
Matthew Stafford will lead the Rams into Melbourne as Los Angeles begins another push towards the Super Bowl.Source: AP
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year will line up alongside reigning DPOY Myles Garrett. Together, Donald and Garrett boast five Defensive Player of the Year awards, 13 first-team All-Pro selections and 236.5 career sacks, forming one of the most decorated defensive combinations the NFL has seen.
And the quality of the teams heading to Melbourne only adds to the occasion.
Both Los Angeles and San Francisco finished last season with identical 12-5 records before their Super Bowl pursuits were ended by eventual champions Seattle.
The 49ers were eliminated by the Seahawks in the divisional round, while the Rams went one step further before falling to Seattle in the NFC Championship Game.
Now two of last season’s NFC heavyweights, one of the league’s fiercest divisional rivalries and some of the biggest stars in American football are heading to the MCG.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the NFL’s historic first regular-season game in Australia.
WHEN AND WHERE IS THE NFL MELBOURNE GAME?
The NFL’s historic Melbourne clash between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will be played on Friday, September 11, 2026 (AEST) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The blockbuster will be the second game of the 2026 NFL regular season and the first of this season’s International Series.
Most significantly, it will mark the first NFL regular-season game ever played in Australia, as the league begins a multi-year commitment to Melbourne.
San Francisco also finished 12-5 last season before its campaign ended in the divisional round.Source: AP
WHAT TIME DOES THE NFL MELBOURNE GAME START?
The Rams and 49ers will kick off at 10.35am AEST on Friday, September 11 at the MCG, with gates opening at 7am.
The unusual morning start allows the historic Melbourne clash to be broadcast in Thursday night primetime in the United States, beginning at 8.35pm ET and 5.35pm PT.
HOW CAN WE WATCH THE NFL MELBOURNE GAME IN AUSTRALIA?
Australian fans can watch the historic Rams-49ers clash live on Kayo Sports through ESPN, with the streaming service carrying ESPN’s NFL coverage.
The game kicks off at 10.35am AEST on Friday, September 11.
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KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Matthew Stafford – QB
The veteran quarterback remains the man running Sean McVay’s offence and was ranked No.4 in the NFL’s Top 100 players entering 2026.
Aaron Donald – DE
One of the greatest defensive players in NFL history is back. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year has sensationally come out of retirement and will make his return with the Rams in Melbourne.
Myles Garrett – OLB
The superstar pass-rusher gives Australian fans another generational defensive talent to watch, with his combination alongside Donald one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Rams entering 2026.
Aaron Donald’s stunning return means Australian fans will get the chance to witness one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.Source: AFP
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Brock Purdy – QB
The 49ers’ starting quarterback and one of the faces of the franchise, Purdy will be tasked with navigating a terrifying Rams defence featuring Donald and Garrett.
Christian McCaffrey – RB
One of the NFL’s premier offensive weapons and a former Offensive Player of the Year, McCaffrey remains central to everything San Francisco does with the football.
Nick Bosa – DE
A former Defensive Player of the Year and one of the NFL’s elite pass-rushers. Bosa has been working his way back from an ACL injury but has expressed confidence about being ready for Week 1.
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HOW DID THEY FARE LAST SEASON?
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Record: 12-5
NFC West: 2nd
Playoffs: Lost NFC Championship Game
The Rams and 49ers will renew their NFC West rivalry on one of Australian sport’s biggest stages.Source: AP
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Record: 12-5
NFC West: 3rd
Playoffs: Lost Divisional Round.
NFL FAN EVENTS
The NFL is taking over Melbourne well beyond the MCG, with a series of fan events planned across game week.
LOS ANGELES RAMS FLAG FOOTBALL COMMUNITY DAY
WHEN: Tuesday, September 8 – 12pm-2.30pm
WHERE: Balwyn High School, Buchanan Ave, Balwyn North
WHAT: Around 50 Victorian schools will take part in flag football drills and activities, with Rams legend Torry Holt also involved.
NFL FLAG, COLLINGWOOD FC AND SEATTLE SEAHAWKS COME & TRY DAY
WHEN: Wednesday, September 9 – 4pm
WHERE: KGM Centre
WHAT: Young participants can experience NFL Flag and AFL through skills, drills and activities, with appearances from players and mascots.
NFL fever will take over Melbourne throughout the week with a host of events leading into the historic MCG clash.Source: News Corp Australia
NFL KICKOFF FESTIVAL
WHEN: Thursday, September 10 – Saturday, September 12
WHERE: Melbourne Park
WHAT: NFL and partner activations, live entertainment and immersive fan experiences for all ages.
CROSS CODE SKILLS CHALLENGE
WHEN: Thursday, September 10 – 6pm
WHERE: Kia Arena, Melbourne Park
WHAT: Stars from the NRL, AFL, NFL, netball, cricket and Olympic sports will come together for a football skills showdown.