The NFL is expanding its global footprint by bringing its first regular-season game to Australia in 2026. The Los Angeles Rams will face an opponent at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The NFL will make history by hosting its first-ever regular-season game in Australia during the 2026 season. The Melbourne Cricket Ground ( MCG ), with a capacity of 100,000, will be the venue for this landmark event. Peter O’Reilly, head of NFL International, confirmed that the Los Angeles Rams will be the designated team for this inaugural Australia n game. This match will be part of a multi-year agreement as the NFL continues its global expansion.
O’Reilly indicated that the game could be scheduled in Week One to allow the participating teams ample time to acclimatize after their long journey. The NFL has a proven track record of staging successful international games, having already held regular-season games in London, Munich, Frankfurt, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, and Toronto. The league now possesses the flexibility to schedule up to eight league-operated international regular-season games per season. In 2025, the NFL has confirmed games in London, Berlin, and Madrid as part of its international games schedule.Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed excitement about expanding to Melbourne, highlighting the city's rich sports history and the NFL's ambition to become a truly global sport. He emphasized the collaboration with the Victorian State Government, Visit Victoria, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the Los Angeles Rams in making this historic event a success. The NFL International office in Australia has been diligently working on this deal for almost three years, and the Victorian state government played a pivotal role in securing Melbourne as the host city. Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan celebrated the significance of this event, stating that it would create jobs, boost businesses, and provide fans with an unforgettable experience of witnessing American football at the iconic MCG.While Australia will have a player in Sunday's Super Bowl, in the form of Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata, there was initial disappointment that his hometown of Sydney was not chosen as the host city. Mailata acknowledged the reasons behind Melbourne's selection but expressed hope that the MCG, despite its vast size, would be a suitable venue. He also expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity for Australian fans to witness the game firsthand, believing that increased viewership would generate greater interest and promote the sport in Australia. Mailata challenged the stereotype that NFL players are less physically imposing due to the protective padding they wear, inviting fans to experience the game and form their own opinions.
NFL Australia Melbourne MCG Los Angeles Rams International Games Roger Goodell
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