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49ers Charter A380 for Australia’s First Regular-Season Game

9/4/2026

Summary

49ers Travel Australia

San Francisco 49ers will travel to Australia for the NFL’s first regular-season game.
GM John Lynch said the team will arrive a week early and use sports-science experts.
Squad chartered a Qantas Airbus A380 with 14 first-class and 70 business-class lie-flat seats.
Players secured Subclass 408 working visas after a month-long passport and visa effort.
Rams coach Sean McVay will leave Los Angeles on Sept. 9, landing a day before kickoff to limit jet-lag.

Summary

49ers Injury Report

Sam Okuayinonu remains questionable with foot injury, may join later in week.
Mike Evans returned after adductor strain, targeting game-ready for Australian opener.
Kyle Juszczyk practiced despite fractured finger, adding depth to special-teams.
Ephesians Prysock participated while rehabbing shoulder injury.
Romello Height worked on line after ankle injury, receiving increased first-team reps.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, the NFL staged its first regular-season game outside the United States, when the San Francisco 49ers faced the Arizona Cardinals at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca. The matchup drew 103,467 spectators, surpassing the stadium’s typical soccer crowds and prompting Qantas to later partner with the league for logistics. Today, the 49ers repeat the overseas venture, traveling to Australia on a chartered Qantas Airbus A380, with GM John Lynch securing Subclass 408 visas for players. The precedent demonstrates the league’s expanding global footprint, encouraging future regular-season contests in Asia and reinforcing teams’ reliance on advanced sports-science and travel planning.

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49ers Travel Australia

San Francisco 49ers will travel to Australia for the NFL’s first regular-season game.
GM John Lynch said the team will arrive a week early and use sports-science experts.
Squad chartered a Qantas Airbus A380 with 14 first-class and 70 business-class lie-flat seats.
Players secured Subclass 408 working visas after a month-long passport and visa effort.
Rams coach Sean McVay will leave Los Angeles on Sept. 9, landing a day before kickoff to limit jet-lag.

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