Forty-Niners vs Rams in Melbourne: Global Rivalry

0:00On March 31st, the San Francisco 49ers are kicking off their 2026 NFL season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. It's the first time the leagues opening the year down under at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and these NFC West rivals are set to clash right out the… Garenne, Packer's coach, Matt LaFloor, hinted on a sports show that the Rams might have pushed for this match-up. Meanwhile, the 49ers face a grueling schedule with two international trips, including a game in Mexico City later that year, racking up around. 38,000 miles of round-trip travel. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan fired back passionately, calling for fairness, since his team has to leave the country twice. He suggested the Rams join them in Mexico to even things out, especially after Rams' home games often feel like 49ers territory, thanks to the travelling faithful. Shanahan gets why the Rams wanted this. 49ers fans took over 61% of seats at SoFi Stadium during last season's week-five win.

1:03Their road warrior rep is legendary, turning enemy venues red and gold. With that kind of support, expect Melbourne to light up in 49ers colors come Gain Time, keeping this heated rivalry global and unpredictable.