49ers vs Rams: NFL kicks off 2026 season with historic showdown in Australia
The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will make NFL history when they open the 2026 regular season at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia, marking the league’s first-ever regular-season game on Australian soil. More than 100,000 fans are expected to fill the iconic stadium for one of the most anticipated Week 1 matchups.
Beyond the historic venue, one of the biggest storylines is how each team prepared for the longest road trip in NFL history. The 49ers traveled to Australia more than a week before kickoff to adjust to the 16-hour time difference, while Sean McVay and the Rams chose to remain in California until less than 30 hours before the game, hoping to minimize the effects of jet lag.
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan downplayed the contrasting travel strategies, insisting the outcome will come down to execution rather than preparation.
The game also features two of the top Super Bowl contenders in the NFC. The Rams strengthened their defense by adding Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson, although Aaron Donald will not travel to Australia as he continues ramping up following his return from retirement.
The 49ers, meanwhile, expect key stars Nick Bosa and George Kittle to return after injury, giving quarterback Brock Purdy one of the NFL’s most talented supporting casts alongside Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams.
One of the key battles to watch will be Myles Garrett and Byron Young against the 49ers’ offensive tackles, Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz. Garrett’s debut in a Rams uniform could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the historic opener.
49ers vs Rams: Date, time and how to watch
- Game: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Date: Thursday
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne, Australia
- Kickoff: 8:35 p.m. ET
- TV/Streaming: Netflix
- Betting odds: Rams (-3.5)
With Week 1 set to begin on the other side of the world, the 49ers vs. Rams showdown promises to deliver playoff intensity, Super Bowl expectations, and a historic moment for the NFL as it expands its global footprint.
Ronnie Rivers rush to the right for 4 yards to the SF15.
Rams timeout.
Stetson Bennett IV pass to the middle to Ronnie Rivers for 5 yards to the SF19.
Stetson Bennett IV pass to the middle to Jordan Whittington for 8 yards to the SF24.
Ronnie Rivers rush to the right for 5 yards to the SF32.
Two Minute Warning.
Ronnie Rivers rush to the right for 1 yard to the SF37.
Stetson Bennett IV incomplete pass to the middle intended for Konata Mumpfield.
Ronnie Rivers rush to the right for 7 yards to the SF38.
Stetson Bennett IV rush to the middle for 9 yards to the SF45.
Blake Corum rush to the middle for 4 yards to the LAR46.
52 yard field goal attempt by Eddy Pineiro is NO GOOD.
49ers timeout.
Matthew Stafford pass to the middle to Tyler Higbee for 4 yards to the LAR43. Tackled by Fred Warner and Renardo Green. FUMBLE, recovered by SF (Keion White).
Stetson Bennett IV incomplete pass to the middle intended for Konata Mumpfield.
Stetson Bennett IV rush to the middle for 9 yards to the SF45. Tackled by Ji’Ayir Brown.
Blake Corum rush to the middle for 4 yards to the LAR46. Tackled by Fred Warner and Ji’Ayir Brown.
49ers timeout.
Brock Purdy pass to the right to Christian McCaffrey for no gain to the LAR34.
Kaelon Black rush to the left for 4 yards to the LAR34.
Kaelon Black rush to the right for 2 yards to the LAR38.
Brock Purdy rush to the middle for 2 yards to the LAR40.
Christian McCaffrey rush to the middle for 1 yard to the LAR42.
Christian McCaffrey rush to the left for 8 yards to the LAR43.
Matthew Stafford incomplete pass to the right intended for Terrance Ferguson.
Matthew Stafford pass to the right to Puka Nacua for 5 yards to the SF49.
Matthew Stafford incomplete pass to the right intended for Davante Adams.
Matthew Stafford incomplete pass to the middle intended for Puka Nacua.
Matthew Stafford pass to the left to Davante Adams for 10 yards to the LAR46.
Matthew Stafford pass to the right to Kyren Williams for 4 yards to the LAR36.
Eddy Pineiro kicks off to the LAR1. Jordan Whittington return for 31 yards to LAR32.
Eddy Pineiro 56 yard field goal attempt is GOOD.
Brock Purdy incomplete pass to the left intended for Christian McCaffrey.
Kaelon Black rush to the left for 1 yard to the LAR38.
Kaelon Black rush to the middle for 4 yards to the LAR39.
Matthew Stafford pass to the middle to Tyler Higbee for 4 yards to the LAR43. FUMBLE, recovered by SF (Keion White).
Matthew Stafford pass to the right to Tyler Higbee for 8 yards to the LAR39.
Penalty: Pass Interference on 49ers (Renardo Green) 16 yards.
Kyren Williams rush to the middle for 2 yards to the LAR15.
Penalty: Illegal Crackback on Rams (Alaric Jackson) -13 yards.
Matthew Stafford pass to the left to Davante Adams for 3 yards to the LAR26.
Eddy Pineiro kicks off to the LAR2. Jordan Whittington return for 21 yards to LAR23.
Eddy Pineiro extra point is GOOD.
Brock Purdy pass to the right to Deebo Samuel Sr. for 15 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.
Christian McCaffrey rush to the right for 2 yards to the LAR15.
Brock Purdy rush to the left for 8 yards to the LAR17.
Brock Purdy pass to the right to Deebo Samuel Sr. for 6 yards to the LAR25.
Brock Purdy rush to the left for 19 yards to the LAR30.
Kaelon Black rush to the left for no gain to the LAR49.
Kaelon Black rush to the right for 14 yards to the LAR49.
Brock Purdy pass to the left to Deebo Samuel Sr. for 13 yards to the SF37.
Christian McCaffrey rush to the right for 9 yards to the SF24.
Brock Purdy pass to the left to Luke Farrell for 14 yards to the SF15.
Brock Purdy rush to the middle for no gain to the SF1.
Matthew Stafford rush to the right for no gain to the SF1.
Matthew Stafford pass to the left to Puka Nacua for 1 yard to the SF1.
Kyren Williams rush to the right for 1 yard to the SF2.
Matthew Stafford pass to the left to Colby Parkinson for 6 yards to the SF3.
Kyren Williams rush to the middle for 2 yards to the SF9.
Matthew Stafford pass to the left to Davante Adams for 13 yards to the SF11.
Penalty: False Start on Rams (Kevin Dotson) -5 yards.
Matthew Stafford pass to the right to Puka Nacua for 23 yards to the SF19.
Kyren Williams rush to the middle for 5 yards to the SF42.
Matthew Stafford pass to the right to Davis Allen for 13 yards to the SF47.
Blake Corum rush to the left for 1 yard to the LAR40.
Blake Corum rush to the left for 8 yards to the LAR39.
Penalty: Illegal Contact on 49ers (Deommodore Lenoir) 5 yards.
Blake Corum rush to the right for a loss of 1 yard to the LAR26.
Eddy Pineiro kicks off to the LAR3. Jordan Whittington return for 24 yards to LAR27.
Eddy Pineiro extra point is GOOD.
Brock Purdy pass to the left to Mike Evans for 2 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.
Brock Purdy pass to the left to Deebo Samuel Sr. for 3 yards to the LAR2.
49ers timeout.
Christian McCaffrey rush to the right for 1 yard to the LAR5.
Brock Purdy pass to the right to Demarcus Robinson for 11 yards to the LAR6. Tackled by Quentin Lake.
Kaelon Black rush to the middle for 4 yards to the LAR17.
Christian McCaffrey rush to the left for 16 yards to the LAR21.
Christian McCaffrey rush to the right for 14 yards to the LAR37.
Harrison Mevis kicks off to the SF4. Deebo Samuel Sr. return for 45 yards to SF49.
Matthew Stafford rush for a loss of 1 yard to the LAR19.
Corliss Waitman punts for 51 yards to LAR0. Touchback.
Brock Purdy incomplete pass to the left intended for Mike Evans.
49ers timeout.
Brock Purdy pass to the right to Christian McCaffrey for 8 yards to the SF49.
Brock Purdy pass to the right to Christian McCaffrey for a loss of 1 yard to the SF41.
Penalty: Roughing Passer on Rams (Tyler Davis) 15 yards.
Christian McCaffrey rush to the right for 7 yards to the SF27.
Two Minute Warning.
Deebo Samuel Sr. rush to the right for 11 yards to the SF19.
Ethan Evans punts for 48 yards to SF4. Jacob Cowing return for 4 yards to SF8.
Matthew Stafford incomplete pass to the left intended for Davante Adams.
Matthew Stafford incomplete pass to the right intended for Colby Parkinson.
Penalty: Holding on Rams (Warren McClendon Jr.) -10 yards.
Kyren Williams rush to the middle for 7 yards to the SF42.
Matthew Stafford pass to the left to Kyren Williams for 16 yards to the SF49.
Eddy Pineiro kicks off to the endzone. Touchback.
Eddy Pineiro extra point is GOOD.
Brock Purdy pass to the middle to Demarcus Robinson for 39 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.
Kaelon Black rush to the right for 4 yards to the LAR39.
Kaelon Black rush to the middle for 5 yards to the LAR43.
Kaelon Black rush to the left for 9 yards to the LAR48.
Brock Purdy pass to the left to Mike Evans for 13 yards to the SF43.
Brock Purdy incomplete pass to the left intended for Christian McCaffrey.
Brock Purdy pass to the middle to Jake Brendel for 2 yards to the SF30.
Kaelon Black rush to the left for 9 yards to the SF28.
Kaelon Black rush to the right for 5 yards to the SF19.
Matthew Stafford pass intended for Puka Nacua INTERCEPTED by Renardo Green. No return.
Matthew Stafford incomplete pass to the right intended for Colby Parkinson.
Kyren Williams rush to the left for no gain to the SF35.
Blake Corum rush to the left for 13 yards to the SF35.
Blake Corum rush to the left for 6 yards to the SF48.
Blake Corum rush to the left for 10 yards to the LAR46.
Blake Corum rush to the right for 5 yards to the LAR36.
Brock Purdy pass intended for George Kittle INTERCEPTED by Quentin Lake. No return.
Brock Purdy rush to the middle for 2 yards to the LAR46.
49ers timeout.
Brock Purdy pass to the middle to Christian McCaffrey for 5 yards to the LAR48.
Christian McCaffrey rush to the right for 4 yards to the SF47.
Brock Purdy pass to the middle to Mike Evans for 12 yards to the SF43.
Brock Purdy incomplete pass to the left intended for Deebo Samuel Sr..
Harrison Mevis kicks off to the SF2. Deebo Samuel Sr. return for 29 yards to SF31.
Harrison Mevis extra point is GOOD.
Kyren Williams rush to the left for 5 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.
Kyren Williams rush to the middle for 3 yards to the SF5.
Matthew Stafford pass to the right to Puka Nacua for 41 yards to the SF8.
Kyren Williams rush to the middle for 8 yards to the SF49.
Corliss Waitman punts for 43 yards to LAR32. Xavier Smith return for 11 yards to LAR43.
Brock Purdy incomplete pass to the left intended for Christian McCaffrey.
Kaelon Black rush to the middle for 3 yards to the SF25.
Brock Purdy pass to the left to Luke Farrell for 5 yards to the SF22.
Ethan Evans punts for 43 yards to SF17. No return.
Matthew Stafford incomplete pass to the right intended for Davante Adams.
Matthew Stafford pass to the left to Kyren Williams for 4 yards to the LAR40.
Matthew Stafford incomplete pass to the left intended for Puka Nacua.
Blake Corum rush to the middle for 3 yards to the LAR36.
Blake Corum rush to the middle for a loss of 1 yard to the LAR33.
Blake Corum rush to the middle for 9 yards to the LAR34.
Eddy Pineiro kicks off to the LAR0. Xavier Smith return for 25 yards to LAR25.
Eddy Pineiro 20 yard field goal attempt is GOOD.
Brock Purdy incomplete pass to the right intended for Demarcus Robinson.
Brock Purdy pass to the right to George Kittle for 6 yards to the LAR2.
Brock Purdy pass to the right to Deebo Samuel Sr. for 2 yards to the LAR8.
Brock Purdy pass to the left to Mike Evans for 8 yards to the LAR10.
Brock Purdy pass to the right to Christian McCaffrey for 8 yards to the LAR18.
Brock Purdy incomplete pass to the right intended for George Kittle.
Brock Purdy pass to the right to Mike Evans for 7 yards to the LAR26.
Brock Purdy pass to the left to Kaelon Black for 5 yards to the LAR33.
Kaelon Black rush to the left for 1 yard to the LAR38.
Brock Purdy pass to the right to Deebo Samuel Sr. for 9 yards to the LAR39.
Brock Purdy pass to the left to George Kittle for 6 yards to the LAR48.
Brock Purdy pass to the left to Mike Evans for 7 yards to the SF46.
Brock Purdy incomplete pass to the left intended for George Kittle.
Christian McCaffrey rush to the left for 6 yards to the SF39.
Ethan Evans punts for 54 yards to SF20. Jacob Cowing return for 13 yards to SF33.
Matthew Stafford pass to the left to Puka Nacua for 4 yards to the LAR26.
Kyren Williams rush to the left for 5 yards to the LAR22.
Matthew Stafford incomplete pass to the left intended for Puka Nacua.
Eddy Pineiro kicks off to the LAR0. Jordan Whittington return for 17 yards to LAR17.
49ers ready to turn the page after turbulent offseason
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for the start of the new season after an offseason filled with unexpected headlines and distractions away from the field.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan dealt with a difficult start to training camp after being involved in a car accident just over a week before the team reported. The incident left him with multiple injuries, including a concussion that limited his involvement during the early stages of camp.
Shanahan has since returned closer to full health and is expected to resume his regular responsibilities, including continuing to call plays while leading the team from the sideline.
The franchise also faced controversy at the ownership level last month when 49ers owner Jed York was arrested in Ohio during a prostitution sting. York later pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges and has not been around the team throughout the summer.
Now, with the season finally arriving, San Francisco is looking to put the distractions behind them and shift the focus back to football as they chase another championship opportunity.
- The San Francisco 49ers enter the matchup with one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses. Last season, they led the league by converting 49.8% of their third-down opportunities, a key factor behind their success.
- The Los Angeles Rams have been nearly unbeatable on international soil under Sean McVay. The Rams are 3-0 in overseas games during McVay’s tenure, winning all three matchups by a wide margin in London.
Matthew Stafford looks to make more history against the 49ers
The reigning NFL MVP, Matthew Stafford, is on the verge of climbing another spot in the league record books. The Los Angeles Rams quarterback needs just two touchdown passes to tie Philip Rivers (425) for sixth place on the NFL’s all-time touchdown pass list.
Stafford enters the matchup against the San Francisco 49ers riding an impressive streak, having thrown at least two touchdown passes in 11 consecutive regular-season games, proving he remains one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league.
However, the veteran quarterback has struggled against San Francisco throughout his career. Stafford owns a 4-9 record against the 49ers, a challenge he will look to overcome in a highly anticipated NFC West showdown.
McVay looks to avoid another high-profile season opener slip
Sean McVay is 6-2 in Week 1 games with the Rams, but both losses came in marquee matchups that foreshadowed rough starts.
Los Angeles opened 2022 with a blowout loss to Buffalo before suffering the worst season by a defending champion in NFL history. In 2024, the Rams fell to Detroit on Sunday Night Football and started the season 1-4.
McVay will look to avoid another early setback when Los Angeles faces the 49ers in Australia.
49ers eye rare Week 1 milestone under Kyle Shanahan
The San Francisco 49ers will be chasing a rare achievement when they kick off the 2026 season. A victory over the Los Angeles Rams would give San Francisco four consecutive Week 1 wins, a feat the franchise hasn’t accomplished since its four-year opening-game winning streak from 2011 to 2014. Since Kyle Shanahan took over as head coach in 2017, the 49ers have posted a 5-4 record in season openers and will look to improve that mark while extending their recent success.
The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams are about to make NFL history, traveling halfway across the globe to open the 2026 season in Melbourne, Australia, where more than 100,000 fans are expected to pack the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground for the league’s first-ever regular-season game on Australian soil.
While the historic setting has grabbed headlines, so has the vastly different approach each team has taken to preparing for the longest road trip in NFL history.
The 49ers arrived in Australia more than a week before kickoff, giving players time to acclimate to the 16-hour time difference while embracing the opportunity to connect with local fans ahead of the landmark event.
The Rams, meanwhile, opted for the opposite strategy. Sean McVay’s team is scheduled to land in Melbourne less than 30 hours before kickoff, believing the best way to combat jet lag is to remain on California time for as long as possible.
Despite the contrasting philosophies, neither team believes the outcome will validate one approach over the other.
“I’m sure people will study it afterward and try to decide which method worked,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “But football games are won by the team that plays better, not by who got on the plane first.”
Instead, the focus remains on what promises to be one of the marquee matchups of Week 1.
The Rams enter the season as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl after assembling perhaps the NFL’s most talented roster, while the 49ers believe a healthier lineup can return them to championship contention after injuries derailed parts of their 2025 campaign.
The rivalry has become one of the NFL’s fiercest over the past decade, with Shanahan and McVay consistently pushing each other in the NFC West. Now, they meet on an international stage unlike anything either franchise has experienced.
“It’s a unique challenge,” said new Rams star Myles Garrett. “Both organizations have their own plan to deal with the travel and the time difference. At the end of the day, we’ll find out on the field whose preparation paid off.”
Garrett headlines a revamped Los Angeles defense alongside newcomers Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, but one notable name won’t be making the trip.
Despite ending his retirement last month, Aaron Donald will remain in Los Angeles as he continues working his way back into football shape. The Rams chose not to rush the 35-year-old defensive legend, preserving him for later in the season.
Shanahan admitted he fully expected Donald to suit up in Australia.
“I’ve never been happier to be wrong,” the 49ers coach joked.
San Francisco, meanwhile, expects Nick Bosa and George Kittle to return after lengthy injury recoveries, although Shanahan has yet to determine how many snaps either star will play.
Need to know
- Matchup: San Francisco 49ers (13-6) vs. Los Angeles Rams (14-6)
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne, Australia
- Kickoff: Thursday, 8:35 p.m. ET
- TV/Streaming: Netflix
- Betting line: Rams -3.5
- Last meeting: Rams 42, 49ers 26 (Nov. 9, 2025)
- All-time series: 49ers lead 78-71-3
Matchup to watch
Myles Garrett and Byron Young vs. Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz
All eyes will be on the line of scrimmage.
Garrett makes his highly anticipated Rams debut, forming a dangerous pass-rushing tandem with Byron Young. Their first assignment couldn’t be much tougher: protecting Brock Purdy behind future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams and right tackle Colton McKivitz.
Garrett has the ability to change a game with one play, but Shanahan’s offense has historically limited Los Angeles’ pass rush. In two meetings last season, the Rams managed just one sack despite facing backup quarterback Mac Jones for much of the year. Whether that trend continues could go a long way toward deciding the NFL’s first game in Australia.
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Ronnie Rivers rush to the left for 2 yards to the SF13.