The Los Angeles Rams will be the designated home team for the NFL’s first-ever game in Australia. The 2026 match is set to take place at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and marks a significant step in the league’s international growth.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the move, saying it underlines the league’s ambitions to become a global sport. The Rams have been building an engaged fan base in Australia over the past few years, with envoys from the team attending events and participating in charitable initiatives.
Logistically, the Rams’ proximity to Australia makes sense, given that flights between Los Angeles and Melbourne are under 16 hours, significantly shorter than other teams like Philadelphia. The exact date of the game has yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to take place during Week 1.
Australia boasts a significant NFL following, with an estimated 6.6 million fans. This marks one of several international regular-season games scheduled for the next few seasons. Other cities set to host games include London, Germany, and Spain.
The Los Angeles Rams’ involvement in this historic game is a notable step forward for the league’s global expansion efforts.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6116676/2025/02/05/los-angeles-rams-nfl-australia