The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are playing in Melbourne, Australia, today in one of the biggest international games on the 2026 NFL schedule.
The NFC West rivals will meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday, September 10, 2026, in the United States, with the game taking place Friday morning local time in Australia.
So, where is Rams vs. 49ers being played today?
The 49ers vs. Rams Week 1 game is being played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Where Is Rams vs. 49ers Being Played?
The Rams and 49ers are playing in Melbourne, Australia, rather than at the Rams’ usual home stadium in Los Angeles.
Here are the key details:
| Game Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Matchup | San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams |
| City | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Stadium | Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) |
| U.S. Date | Thursday, September 10, 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 8:35 p.m. ET |
| Melbourne Date | Friday, September 11, 2026 |
| Local Kickoff | 10:35 a.m. |
The game is officially a Rams home game, despite being played thousands of miles away from Los Angeles.
What Stadium Is Rams vs. 49ers Being Played At?
The Melbourne Cricket Ground, commonly known as the MCG, is hosting Rams vs. 49ers.
Located in Melbourne, Victoria, the MCG is one of Australia’s most famous sporting venues.
The stadium is best known for hosting Australian rules football and cricket, but it is being transformed into an NFL venue for the Rams and 49ers matchup.
Its massive capacity also makes it an ideal location for the NFL’s expansion into the Australian market.
Why Are the Rams and 49ers Playing in Australia?
Rams vs. 49ers is part of the NFL’s continued push to expand its international presence.
The league has increasingly taken regular-season games outside the United States, giving international fans an opportunity to watch NFL teams in person.
Australia represents another major market for the league.
Choosing the Rams and 49ers also gives the game an established rivalry, with the two California franchises having a long history against each other in the NFC West.
Is Rams vs. 49ers the First NFL Game in Australia?
Yes. The Rams vs. 49ers matchup marks the first NFL regular-season game played in Australia.
That makes the Week 1 contest particularly significant beyond what happens on the field.
The NFL has previously staged regular-season games in international markets including England, Germany, Mexico, Brazil and other locations as the league continues expanding its global schedule.
Melbourne now joins the NFL’s growing list of international destinations.
Is Rams vs. 49ers a Rams Home Game?
Yes. Los Angeles is officially the home team for the game.
Instead of hosting San Francisco in Southern California, the Rams are taking their NFC West home matchup to Melbourne.
That means the game will count as one of Los Angeles’ designated home games during the 2026 regular season.
San Francisco is officially the visiting team.
Where Is the Melbourne Cricket Ground?
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Often simply called the MCG or “The G,” the venue is one of the most recognizable stadiums in Australian sports.
Its large seating capacity and history of hosting major international sporting events make it a natural choice for the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia.
What Time Is Rams vs. 49ers Today?
The 49ers vs. Rams game kicks off at 8:35 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 10, 2026, for viewers in the United States.
Because of the significant time difference between the United States and Australia, the game will actually begin the following morning in Melbourne.
Local kickoff is scheduled for 10:35 a.m. on Friday, September 11.
That unusual scheduling allows the game to take place during Thursday night primetime in the United States while being played Friday morning in Australia.
Rams vs. 49ers Week 1 Location
For fans searching for the location of tonight’s game, here is the simple answer:
Rams vs. 49ers is being played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia.
The historic Week 1 matchup gives the NFL an opportunity to showcase one of its biggest NFC West rivalries in a new international market.
With the 49ers and Rams opening their 2026 seasons on the other side of the world, the Melbourne matchup will make NFL history as the league’s first regular-season game in Australia.