The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are set to open the 2026 NFL season in a historic matchup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia.
The NFC West showdown will take place Thursday, Sept. 10 and the squads are taking two vastly different approaches to the overseas opener.
The Rams have decided to arrive in Australia only the day before the game, just like the team did with their international game last season where they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. LA will also depart from Australia immediately following the game.
Meanwhile, the 49ers have opted to arrive a week before the season opener so players and coaches can adjust to the 17-hour time difference.
ESPN insider Dan Graziano was the first to report the news.
There’s no right or wrong approach to the overseas matchup, but the losing team will certainly face scrutiny over their decision.
The NFC West arguably features three of the best NFL coaches in the league, including Rams’ Sean McVay, 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan, and Mike Macdonald of the Seattle Seahawks.
Now, McVay and Shanahan will put their talents to the test in what’s poised to be one of the best matchups of the 2026 season.
Rams training camp has been nothing short of exciting with new addition Myles Garrett on the field. The ongoing rumors surrounding Aaron Donald’s return have only heated up after the Rams held a “tryout” for the three-time Defensive Player of the Year Wednesday.
As for the 49ers, training camp was headlined by Shanahan’s horrific car accident, which caused the San Francisco head coach to sustain multiple injuries. While Shanahan is on the mend, several players have already been sidelined with the team finishing Wednesday’s practice without a whopping 20 players.
The NFC West teams have experienced very contrary summers, but either the Rams or 49ers will come out swinging to kick off the 2026 NFL season.
What time does Rams vs. 49ers Australia opener start?
The matchup kicks off at 10:35 a.m. AEST on Friday, Sept. 11. For fans watching from home, the matchup will take place Thursday, Sept. 10 at 5:35 p.m. PT.
The overseas opener will stream live on Netflix.
