The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will open the 2026 NFL regular season on Thursday, September 10, 2026, with a historic matchup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:35 p.m. ET, marking the league's first-ever regular-season game played on Australian soil.
Both teams are looking to start the season strong after their 2025 campaigns ended at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle defeated the 49ers 41-6 in the divisional round before besting the Rams 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game, narrowly missing a Super Bowl LX appearance.
Key Players to Watch
For the Los Angeles Rams, wide receiver Puka Nacua is a player to monitor. Nacua was not listed on the team's injury report released Tuesday after dealing with a core issue, indicating he is expected to play his usual role. His availability is significant, especially with no 2026 season statistics to draw upon yet. If Nacua is healthy and moving freely, he provides a major boost to the Rams' passing game.
On the San Francisco 49ers' side, running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to resume his prominent role. McCaffrey was also absent from Tuesday's injury report after his status had been monitored during training camp. His full health for the opener provides a crucial benchmark for the 49ers' offense. His consistent involvement would offer the team its most reliable all-purpose threat and a clear avenue to test the Rams' defense early.
Tight end George Kittle is another important figure for the 49ers. He was listed as a limited participant on Tuesday due to an Achilles issue but has been practicing regularly since being activated from the active/PUP list. His potential participation is still uncertain leading up to kickoff. A healthy Kittle would add significant structure and stability to San Francisco's offense.
For the Rams, tight end Terrance Ferguson is an under-the-radar player whose health is confirmed, though his exact usage remains to be seen. Ferguson was not on Tuesday's injury report despite recent soreness. With all five Rams tight ends healthy for Week 1, Ferguson's place in the rotation is unclear. However, he has generated positive buzz and could become a valuable offensive option if he earns significant snaps early in the season.
Game Details
When: Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 8:35 p.m. ET Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia TV/Streaming: Netflix