The National Football League (NFL) has announced an exciting multiyear commitment to host games in Australia, marking a significant step in the league's efforts to expand its international reach. Scheduled for the 2026 season, the inaugural game will feature the Los Angeles Rams as the designated home team, set to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This event is anticipated to be the first-ever regular season NFL game in Australia.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell commented on the announcement, emphasizing the importance of expanding the league's global footprint. "Expanding to Melbourne, Australia, a beautiful city with a rich sports history, underlines our ambitions to become a global sport and accelerate international growth," said Goodell. He also expressed optimism about collaborating with local entities, including the Victorian State Government, Visit Victoria, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, alongside the Los Angeles Rams, to create a historic experience in this crucial market.

Although the opponent for the Rams has yet to be disclosed, the announcement revealed that the Philadelphia Eagles share marketing rights in Australia with the Rams through the NFL’s Global Markets Program. This initiative aims to enhance awareness of specific teams across various regions. It is important to note, however, that the Eagles are not slated to be one of the Rams' home opponents in 2026, as Philadelphia is scheduled to host Los Angeles at Lincoln Financial Field two seasons prior. This development is part of the NFL's broader strategy, which has included 55 regular-season games held overseas in cities such as London, Munich, and Mexico City, with more international matchups planned for 2025.