The San Francisco 49ers have one of the toughest tasks in the NFL going forward: They need to compete for their division against the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams, two of the best teams in the NFL.
In such a tight division, every little advantage can be a big help. And the 49ers are getting some help for the 2026 season already.
As Brianna Jeannel of 49ers.com shared, the NFL has announced the 49ers will play against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia, during the 2026 season. It’s a big announcement, but for the 49ers, there’s some hidden great news with this game.
49ers get great news from NFL amid Rams Australia game announcement
“The Rams will serve as the designated home team and the 49ers will travel to Australia as the away team for the historic matchup,” Jeannel writes, “marking a milestone moment for the league’s global growth.”
This announcement for the 49ers is a great one for multiple reasons. First, playing in Melbourne, Australia, at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a great way to expand the game.
But, most importantly, the 49ers are not losing a home game. And in fact, their division rival, the Rams, will lose a home game.
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Playing internationally is always a challenge, but at least for the 49ers, this game won’t be one of their home games. Instead, the Rams will lose a home game, and it’s a big one.
Losing a home game stings enough on its own, but paired with that matchup coming against a division foe, it’s a big loss for the Rams.
Conversely, the 49ers benefit greatly. The 49ers will have all six of their NFC West home games played at home, while the Rams will only get five such games.
The 49ers and Rams game in Australia in 2026 doesn’t have a set date or time. But the 49ers will benefit from this news in that they no longer have to play the Rams at home.
