Rams to face 49ers in NFL's first game in Australia

The matchup for the NFL's first game in Australia has been revealed.

The San Francisco 49ers will take on the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne in 2026 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the league announced Thursday.

The Rams, who are one of four teams to hold international marketing rights in Australia through the NFL's Global Markets Program, had already been locked in as a participant prior to the announcement.

"As we continue our preparations for the NFL’s first-ever regular season game at the MCG in Melbourne, we are delighted that the San Francisco 49ers will take on the Los Angeles Rams," said NFL Australia & New Zealand general manager Charlotte Offord in a satement. "The 49ers are a popular franchise within the Australian market, and this rivalry game solidifies what we know is going to be an incredible NFL experience for our fans down under."

The matchup marks the latest addition to the league's ever-expanding portfolio of international games, which includes a record nine tilts in seven countries.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed Monday that the league will return to Mexico City next season. Other games are to be held in London (three), Madrid, Munich, Paris and Rio de Janeiro.