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Rams Confirm 2026 Australia Opener September 11

9/10/2026

14 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Rams Play Australia

The Los Angeles Rams will play the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia on September 11, 2026.
The Rams have owned Australian NFL marketing rights since 2021 and control seven Pacific-rim markets.
The team arrived on a Qantas A380 on September 10, 2026 with over 20 tonnes of gear and 2,000 high-protein meals.
Analyst Dontay Atkinson criticized the Rams’ fly-in, fly-out plan as a snub of Australian fans.

Summary

Donald Misses Opener

Aaron Donald will sit out the Rams’ Melbourne opener, delaying his comeback after ending retirement last month.
Coach Sean McVay said keeping Donald at home protects his health and benefits the team’s preparation.
Myles Garrett will make his Rams debut in Australia, joining a defense rebuilt around new draftees.
Rams’ defensive staff consulted other teams on jet-lag mitigation, mirroring strategies used in their London game.

History

Historical Context

After NFL owners approved up to two regular-season overseas games in 2007, the league launched the International Series with the Giants-Dolphins matchup at Wembley, where 40,000 tickets sold out in 90 minutes. The series expanded to multiple UK venues and later Germany and Brazil, paving the way for the Los Angeles Rams’ designated home game at Melbourne’s Cricket Ground in 2026.

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Rams Play Australia

The Los Angeles Rams will play the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia on September 11, 2026.
The Rams have owned Australian NFL marketing rights since 2021 and control seven Pacific-rim markets.
The team arrived on a Qantas A380 on September 10, 2026 with over 20 tonnes of gear and 2,000 high-protein meals.
Analyst Dontay Atkinson criticized the Rams’ fly-in, fly-out plan as a snub of Australian fans.

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