Melbourne is set to host its first-ever National Football League (NFL) regular season game in September 2026, marking a significant milestone in its global sporting calendar. The match between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on September 11, 2026, making it the first NFL regular season fixture to be played in Australia.
The event is expected to attract strong international interest, with over 151,000 registrations recorded ahead of ticket sales. The game will also draw visiting fans from the United States, contributing to inbound tourism and extending visitor stays in the destination.
The fixture forms part of a broader strategy by Visit Victoria, the state’s tourism body, in collaboration with the NFL and the Los Angeles Rams, to promote Melbourne and Victoria as a key destination for international travellers. The United States remains an important source market, with 216,000 visitors recorded in the year ending December 2025, contributing 2.4 million visitor nights and USD 391 million in expenditure.
Melbourne’s 2026 events calendar further strengthens its positioning as a global events hub. Major events scheduled during the year include the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition, the AFL Grand Final, and the Australian Open Golf.
According to Stephanie Cheng, Head of International at the Los Angeles Rams, the Melbourne fixture represents a significant opportunity to engage global audiences and expand the NFL’s international footprint.
Brendan McClements, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Victoria, said: “Hosting Australia’s first-ever NFL game will shine a global spotlight on Melbourne and Victoria. For American fans, it’s more than a game—it’s an invitation to experience our destination firsthand, from world-class dining and major events to the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife you won’t find anywhere else.”
Charlotte Offord, General Manager, NFL Australia and New Zealand, added: “We are thrilled to confirm the time and date for Australia’s first-ever regular-season NFL game at the MCG between the Rams and 49ers — a match-up that has created plenty of hype and excitement.”
The addition of the NFL fixture reinforces Melbourne’s reputation as a leading host city for major international sporting events, supporting tourism growth and enhancing its global visibility.
Published On Mar 30, 2026 at 12:20 PM IST
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