The San Francisco 49ers will play the Los Angeles Rams in Australia’s first-ever NFL Regular Season game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Scheduled for the 2026 season, this historic matchup marks a significant milestone for Melbourne, solidifying its reputation as Australia’s sporting capital. The event is anticipated to not only attract thousands of fans but also provide a substantial boost to the local economy.
This clash brings together two prominent teams from the NFL’s competitive NFC West division, reigniting a fierce rivalry that carries playoff implications. The 49ers, one of the league’s most celebrated franchises, have won five Super Bowl titles and feature legendary players like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young, all members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Economic Impact and Tourism Boost
Hosting this NFL game is expected to have a profound impact on Victoria’s visitor economy. According to official statistics, the United States remains one of Victoria’s strongest international markets, with 202,000 American visitors recorded in the year ending September 2025. These visitors contributed significantly, spending $364 million across the state during their 2.1 million nights of stay.
With almost 19 million viewers tuning into NFL Regular Season games in 2025, the Melbourne fixture is poised to attract many American fans, converting them into travelers who will fill hotels, restaurants, and venues throughout Victoria.
Premier Jacinta Allan highlighted the importance of the event, stating, “Bringing the NFL to the MCG is a huge win for Victoria both on and off the field.” She emphasized that Melbourne is now the only city globally to host an international Grand Slam, a Formula One Grand Prix, and an NFL Regular Season game.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos echoed this sentiment, noting that the benefits of the game will be felt year-round. “This event will shine an international spotlight on Melbourne, bringing even more visitors from across the globe.”
A Landmark Moment for Victoria
The significance of securing this game was underscored by Brendan McClements, CEO of Visit Victoria, who described it as a landmark moment. “Securing Australia’s first-ever NFL game is a powerful way to create global demand for Victoria,” he stated.
The game will be part of a busy events calendar in 2026, which also includes the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces Cartier exhibition, the NRL State of Origin, and the Australian Open Golf. As Melbourne prepares to welcome the world, the NFL matchup promises to be a defining moment in the city’s sporting history, further enhancing its standing on the global stage.
For more information on the upcoming game, visit nfl.com.
