The NFL begins a new season with a historic international matchup. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Los Angeles Rams today, Thursday, September 10, at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, marking the first regular-season NFL game ever played in the country.
What time is 49ers vs. Rams?
The game is scheduled to kick off at 6:35 PM Central Mexico time on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
In the United States, kickoff is set for 8:35 PM Eastern Time and 5:35 PM Pacific Time.
How to watch 49ers vs. Rams in Mexico
The game will stream live exclusively on Netflix. Coverage will be available to Netflix subscribers, with pregame programming beginning before kickoff.
How to watch 49ers vs. Rams in the United States
The matchup will also stream live on Netflix in the United States. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:35 PM Eastern Time.
49ers vs. Rams preview
San Francisco and Los Angeles meet in one of the NFC West's most intriguing matchups, but this time the division rivalry moves to a completely different setting: Melbourne, Australia.
The 49ers have focused heavily on adjusting to the time-zone change. San Francisco traveled to Australia early in an effort to adapt to Melbourne's schedule and reduce the effects of the long journey before the game.
The Rams took a different approach, arriving much closer to game day. The strategy is designed to limit the amount of time the team spends away from its normal routine before returning to the United States.
On the field, San Francisco will rely on key players such as Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey, while Los Angeles enters the matchup with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Davante Adams among its offensive leaders.
The Rams also enter the season with major expectations on defense, featuring Myles Garrett and the return of Aaron Donald. However, Donald will not be available for this game.
A historic NFL game in Australia
The matchup is significant beyond the NFC West rivalry. It will be the first regular-season NFL game played in Australia and represents another major step in the league's international expansion.
With two NFC West rivals meeting in an unprecedented setting and both teams beginning their 2026 campaigns, the Melbourne matchup is one of the most anticipated games of Week 1.
49ers vs. Rams game information
Game: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Mexico kickoff: 6:35 PM Central Time
U.S. kickoff: 8:35 PM ET / 5:35 PM PT
Stadium: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Week: Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season
Mexico broadcast: Netflix
United States broadcast: Netflix
Everything is set for the 49ers and Rams to make NFL history in Melbourne and officially begin the 2026 regular season.