
The NFL has officially unveiled two opening-week matchups for the 2026 schedule, including an international showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
The 49ers will face the Rams on Thursday, September 10, at 5:35 p.m. PT (10:35 a.m. local time) at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking a marquee global kickoff to the season.
In addition, the Seattle Seahawks will open their season the night before, hosting a Week 1 game on Wednesday, September 9, at Lumen Field.
San Francisco is reportedly set to host a regular-season game in Mexico City in December 2026, making the team the first NFL team to play multiple international games in non-consecutive weeks during the same season.
The 49ers are projected to travel more than 38,100 miles during the 2026 season. That would not only lead the NFL next season but also set a new league record, surpassing the roughly 37,000 miles logged by the 2025 Los Angeles Chargers and the 2016 Los Angeles Rams.
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