The National Football League is expanding its global reach with its first-ever game in Australia, featuring a matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. The game is scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sept. 10, marking the fourth continent the NFL has visited for international play.
This historic event follows the league's international debuts in Europe in 2007 and South America in 2024. The Rams, considered Super Bowl favorites entering the season, will face NFC West rivals in this divisional clash.
The Rams' roster boasts a notable combination of recent NFL accolades, with the 2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, acquired via trade in June 2026, and MVP Matthew Stafford, who signed a contract extension in May. This marks the first time a reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year have been on the same roster.
The game is set to kick off at 5:35 p.m. PT / 8:35 p.m. ET on Sept. 10. In Australia, the game will begin at 10:35 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 11.
Fans can watch the Rams vs. 49ers game exclusively on Netflix. For those looking to stream the game at no cost, DIRECTV is offering a promotion. By subscribing to one of DIRECTV's Genre Packs, such as MyEntertainment, MySports, or MyNews, and adding a Gemini Device, new subscribers can receive a one-year free subscription to Netflix after a five-day free trial. This offer is contingent on maintaining the genre pack subscription.
Both teams took measures to adapt to the significant time difference. The 49ers arrived in Australia a week before the game, while the Rams traveled on Wednesday, landing on Thursday, to help players mitigate the effects of jet lag. This strategic travel plan aims to ensure the athletes are in optimal condition for the historic contest.