The wait is over. The 2026 NFL season is officially here and (American) football is going global.
After the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks opened the season against the New England Patriots, the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are ready to take center stage in Melbourne, Australia, in a historic Week 1 showdown.
That’s right: Reigning MVP Matthew Stafford and the rest of the Rams are taking their talents "Down Under" as Los Angeles and San Francisco square off at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Australia.
Sean McVay’s squad enters 2026 with loaded expectations and an even more loaded roster. The return of three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, along with the addition
of two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, has put the Rams firmly in the Super Bowl conversation.
Across the field, Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers arrive with plenty of firepower of their own, setting the stage for a massive NFC West clash to kick off these teams' seasons.
Thursday's game will be the first step of a five-month season that both teams hope will end no earlier than February. Here's what to know about the Rams-49ers international matchup:
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What TV channel is Rams vs. 49ers on today?
Only fans in the local markets of the Rams and 49ers can watch the Australia game on cable television. Here's where those fans can tune in on Sept. 10:
- TV channel: KNBC (Los Angeles) | NBC Bay Area (San Francisco Bay Area)
The Rams-49ers matchup is the only game being played on Thursday in Week 1. You can stream the game on Netflix.
NBC Sports' Noah Eagle will call the game, and 2026 Hall of Fame inductee and former Carolina Panthers All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly will make his debut as booth analyst, providing color commentary. Tom Pelissero and MJ Acosta-Ruiz will report from the sideline. Former NFL referee Terry McAulay will serve as a rules analyst.
What time does Rams-49ers NFL game start?
The 49ers and Rams start their regular season at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, at 8:35 p.m. ET, 5:35 p.m. PT on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Rams vs. 49ers live stream
- Live stream: Netflix
Netflix will stream the Rams vs. 49ers Week 1 matchup.
NFL fans in the United States outside of the competing teams' markets will need to sign in to their Netflix account – or subscribe to the streaming service – to watch. The game will be available with any Netflix plan.
Rams vs. 49ers predictions, picks, odds
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of Tuesday, Sept. 8
- Rams 27, 49ers 24
- Spread: Rams -3.5
- Over/under: 48.5
- Moneyline: Rams (-198), 49ers (+164)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What channel is the Rams vs 49ers on today? Time, schedule to watch NFL game
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