NFL: San Francisco 49ers shock Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 27-7 in the first-ever NFL game held in the Asia-Pacific region at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The event drew over 100,000 spectators as part of the league's international expansion strategy.
Why it matters
This marks a significant step in the NFL's global growth strategy, testing the viability of major American sports in the Australian market.
Figure caption, 49ers win big in first Australian NFL match
The San Francisco 49ers recorded a dominant 27-7 victory over Super Bowl favourites the Los Angeles Rams in front of a crowd of more than 100,000 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
It was the NFL's first game in the Asia-Pacific region, and its longest-ever road trip for the first of a record nine international games in 2026.
The 49ers arrived in Melbourne a week before the game, while the Rams opted to spend just over 24 hours in Australia.
Sean McVay's side are Super Bowl favourites after acquiring defensive end Myles Garrett and welcoming one of the NFL's greatest defensive players, Aaron Donald, out of retirement.
Also covering this story
7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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