The NFL just moved the huge Rams 49ers rivalry to its own continent

The Los Angeles Rams compete in the toughest NFL division in 2025. The NFC West Division sent nearly half of the seven teams to the NFC bracket of the playoffs, and the Rams clashed with the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West Division. Before facing the Rams, the Seahawks made short work of the 49ers in the divisional round.

With so much elite talent and success in one NFL division, the powers-that-be have determined that the continental USA is too small to serve as the site for such a clash of NFL titans. So, the Los Angeles Rams will host the San Francisco 49ers in Australia in 2026.

Of course, the news about Los Angeles competing in Melbourne, Australia, is known. But the 49ers are new news, as they will be the opponent in the first-ever American gridiron game Down Under. And the NFL made an excellent choice for the first two combatants to play in front of Aussies.

For a country that loves rugby, the physicality of these two teams will quickly find favor.

Rams fans will have to travel a long way to support the team

It seems unbelievable that just one year after competing in England, the team will travel in the opposite direction to face the 49ers. But such is the way of the NFL's new international marketing. The LA Rams will compete in one of nine such international games in 2026.

At some point, expect the NFL to hold 16 games internationally and schedule every team in at least one international contest.

Fans have plenty of resources at their disposal if they choose to attend this one in person. The official announcement can be a solid reference for anyone interested in further details. Since Southern Hemisphere seasons run counter to the Northern Hemisphere, the game will likely be scheduled no sooner than midway through the season.

NFL fans travel well. But how many will make such a significant investment to support their team? That remains to be seen. But don't expect bleachers to be empty. The NFL has packed international stadiums consistently since opening the opportunity for teams to play outside of the US.

The Rams-49ers rivalry just leveled up. It's not just a California rivalry. It's now a heated rivalry that stretches across the entire Pacific rim.

Grab your passports. And as always, thanks for reading.