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NFL’s first Australia regular-season game set for 2026

8/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Australia will host the NFL’s first regular-season game on Sept 11, 2026, with the San Francisco 49ers playing the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Jonas Brothers will headline the halftime show.
Tim Tubito, director of global game presentation and entertainment for the NFL, called the event a landmark.
The Kickoff Festival runs Sept 10-12, with tickets $49 Thursday/Saturday and $59 Friday.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 the NFL held its first regular-season game outside the United States, the “Fútbol Americano” matchup at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, where 103,467 fans watched the Cardinals beat the 49ers. After that success the league launched the International Series, adding London games from 2007 onward. The planned 2026 contest at Melbourne’s MCG between the 49ers and Rams extends that cross-border strategy.

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Story summary

Australia will host the NFL’s first regular-season game on Sept 11, 2026, with the San Francisco 49ers playing the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Jonas Brothers will headline the halftime show.
Tim Tubito, director of global game presentation and entertainment for the NFL, called the event a landmark.
The Kickoff Festival runs Sept 10-12, with tickets $49 Thursday/Saturday and $59 Friday.

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