49ers and Rams to Face Off in Australia for 2026 NFL Season Opener

Coach Kyle Shanahan hopes to request the matchup be moved to Mexico instead.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:05pm

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The NFL has announced that the San Francisco 49ers will take on the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 season opener, set to be played in Melbourne, Australia. During an interview, Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur suggested the Rams may have lobbied for this particular matchup, which 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan finds humorous and hopes to have changed to a game in Mexico instead.

Why it matters

The 49ers-Rams rivalry is one of the most intense in the NFL, and having them face off in the season opener in Australia adds an interesting international twist. Shanahan's desire to move the game to Mexico speaks to the 49ers' strong fanbase there and the league's continued efforts to grow the sport globally.

The details

The 2026 NFL season will kick off with the 49ers taking on the Rams in Melbourne, Australia. During a recent interview, Packers coach Matt LaFleur suggested the Rams may have lobbied the league to face their NFC West rival in the international matchup. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan finds this idea amusing and hopes to request the game be moved to Mexico instead, where the 49ers have a passionate following.

  • The 2026 NFL season will begin with the 49ers vs. Rams matchup in Melbourne, Australia.

The players

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

Matt LaFleur

The head coach of the Green Bay Packers.

Los Angeles Rams

The NFL team that will face the 49ers in the 2026 season opener.

San Francisco 49ers

The NFL team that will face the Rams in the 2026 season opener.

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What they’re saying

“Los Angeles might have lobbied to face the 49ers for its Week 1 matchup in Australia.”

— Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers Head Coach

“I hope we can get that game moved to Mexico.”

— Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers Head Coach

What’s next

The NFL will determine if the 49ers-Rams matchup in Australia can be moved to Mexico as requested by Kyle Shanahan.

The takeaway

The 49ers-Rams rivalry will take on an international flair in 2026, with the season opener set for Melbourne, Australia. However, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan hopes to have the game moved to Mexico, where the 49ers have a strong fanbase, rather than Australia.