49ers at Rams 2026: The NFL's First Australia Game — Preview & Who to Watch
The NFL is going down under. For the first time ever, a regular-season game will be played in Australia — the 49ers and Rams meeting at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground to open the 2026 season — and in the US it streams exclusively on Netflix. A fierce NFC West rivalry, two 12-win teams, on the other side of the world.
A first for the NFL: Australia
This is the league's first-ever regular-season game in Australia, staged at the MCG — one of the largest stadiums on Earth — as part of the NFL's international expansion. Because of the time difference it kicks off in the evening US-time (a morning game in Melbourne), and Netflix carries it as one of its 2026 exclusives.
Two contenders coming off strong 2025 seasons
Both teams were among the NFC's best a year ago. The Rams went 12–5 and reached the NFC Championship Game; the 49ers also went 12–5, bowing out in the divisional round. Both had their seasons ended by the eventual champion Seahawks — so both open 2026 with unfinished business and a divisional rival standing in the way.
The rivalry
This is one of the NFL's oldest series. San Francisco leads the all-time meeting count comfortably and has had the road team's edge historically, but NFC West games between these two are rarely comfortable for anyone — division familiarity tends to make them tight, physical and unpredictable, wherever they're played.
Ones to Watch
Our picks below are informed opinion based on the form above — not a crystal ball.
The Rams went a round further than the 49ers last season, falling in the NFC title game. Nominally the "home" team for this neutral-site opener, they arrive as the slightly more proven side coming off 2025.
San Francisco matched the Rams' record and owns the long-term head-to-head. A divisional opener on the world stage is exactly the sort of statement game the 49ers have thrived in.
How to watch: the game streams exclusively on Netflix in the US — no cable required. For the full rundown of where the NFL lives in 2026, including its Netflix, Prime and Peacock exclusives, see our How to Watch the NFL in 2026 guide.
Form and expectations verified as of publication (Thursday, July 23, 2026). "Ones to watch" are our opinion — see our Editorial Policy. Kickoff shown in US Eastern; on the schedule it converts to your local zone.
