NFL Announces Game in Australia for 2026; Mexico Left Off Schedule

NFL Announces Game in Australia for 2026; Mexico Left Off Schedule

The NFL has officially announced that the first regular season game will be held in Australia in 2026. The legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will be the venue for this historic match, consolidating the league's international expansion.

Los Angeles Rams: Team Designated for Debut

Peter O'Reilly, executive vice president of international events for the NFL, confirmed that the Los Angeles Rams will be the team designated to play this match, although the opponent is yet to be defined.

“Expanding to Melbourne, a city with a great sporting tradition, is proof of our ambition to become a truly global sport and accelerate our international growth,” said O'Reilly.

Australia: New Key Market for the NFL

The NFL has maintained a constant process of internationalization, with games in cities such as London, Munich, Frankfurt, Mexico and recently São Paulo. Now, with the addition of Melbourne, the league is strengthening its presence in the southern hemisphere.

According to NFL data, there are approximately 6.6 million fans in Australia, a number that is growing thanks to the influence of teams such as the Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles, who have marketing rights in the region within the Global Markets Program.

Mexico Left Off the Schedule Due to Remodeling of the Azteca Stadium

In contrast to the expansion into Australia, Mexico has been left off the international schedule due to the remodeling of the Azteca Stadium, in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Peter O’Reilly noted that, although Mexico remains a priority market for the NFL, it is currently not feasible to hold an official match due to the ongoing renovation works.

“Obviously Mexico is an important market for the NFL, with a deeply passionate fan base. There are ten of our teams, including the Los Angeles Rams, with rights in Mexico. Our partners are focused on the renovation of the Estadio Azteca, a key priority for the 2026 World Cup,” explained O’Reilly.

The last game played at the Estadio Azteca was in 2022, when the San Francisco 49ers beat the Arizona Cardinals 38-10.

With this announcement, the NFL reaffirms its commitment to global growth, opening new frontiers in the sport and leaving open the possibility of returning to Mexico in the future.