MELBOURNE, Australia: Rams vs 49ers opens the 2026 NFL season at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the league’s first game in Melbourne and a historic Australian showcase for the NFC West rivals.
According to the supplied CBS Sports preview, Kickoff is scheduled for 8:35 p.m. ET Thursday; Netflix is streaming the game.
The Los Angeles Rams enter the season after reshaping their defence. They added reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and defensive back Trent McDuffie during the offseason.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford also returns after an MVP season in which he threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns, according to the preview.
Read: 2026 NFL Season Opens Wednesday Ahead of Australia Game
San Francisco, meanwhile, brings back George Kittle, Fred Warner and Nick Bosa from major injuries. The 49ers also added wide receiver Mike Evans and defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa. Travel preparation has differed sharply.
The 49ers arrived in Australia nearly a week before the game, while the Rams reached Melbourne on Tuesday and planned to spend little more than a day in the city before kickoff.
