The San Francisco 49ers have begun their journey to Australia, leaving Levi’s Stadium under California Highway Patrol escort before travelling to San Francisco International Airport for their opening-week fixture against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne.
The team’s trip covers roughly 8,000 miles, as San Francisco prepares for a landmark meeting with its NFC West rivals at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The game, scheduled for Thursday, September 10 in California, will take place on Friday, September 11 in Melbourne because of the time difference. Kick-off is set for 10.35am local time and 5.35pm Pacific time, with the match being broadcast on Netflix. ([49ers.com](https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-to-open-2026-season-vs-rams-in-melbourne-on-sept-10?utm_source=openai))
It will be the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia, with the Rams designated as the home side and the 49ers travelling as the visitors. The Melbourne fixture forms part of the league’s continuing international expansion. ([49ers.com](https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-set-to-face-rams-in-nfl-s-first-ever-game-in-melbourne-australia?utm_source=openai))
