Melbourne to Host NFL Regular-Season Game in 2026 at MCG, Kickstarting Multi-Year Agreement
The NFL is making a major move into Australia with a groundbreaking announcement that will see Melbourne host its first regular-season game in 2026. This match will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), marking the beginning of a multi-year commitment between the NFL and the city. The game will feature the Los Angeles Rams, with their opponent to be revealed at a later date. The NFL’s decision to expand into Melbourne demonstrates the league’s ambition to grow its international presence and solidify its status as a global sport.
The move is part of a broader effort to bring NFL games to new markets around the world, and Australia is set to be a key player in this international expansion. The league has already seen growing interest in American football across the country, especially with the establishment of an NFL office in Australia and the opening of an NFL academy on the Gold Coast. The partnership with the Victorian state government, Visit Victoria, and the MCG is a clear reflection of the sport's increasing popularity in the region.
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed excitement about the move, highlighting Melbourne's rich sporting history and how this expansion would help accelerate the league's global growth. “Expanding to Melbourne, Australia, a beautiful city with a rich sports history, underlines our ambitions to become a global sport,” Goodell said in a statement. The MCG’s vast seating capacity and rich tradition of hosting world-class events make it the perfect venue for the NFL’s debut in Australia.
This event is not just significant for the NFL but for the state of Victoria as well. Premier Jacinta Allan celebrated the announcement, calling it a “win” for jobs, businesses, and fans. Victoria will become the first-ever Australian state to host a regular-season NFL game, a milestone that will undoubtedly draw attention from both local fans and international visitors.
The Los Angeles Rams, who have been selected as the designated team for the 2026 game, are among the NFL teams with a strong following in Australia. Their match will generate significant interest, especially as the league has been expanding its Global Markets Program, which allows certain teams to develop a fanbase in international territories. The Rams’ appearance in Melbourne is expected to be a thrilling spectacle, but the identity of their opponent will surely add to the anticipation as fans wait to learn which other team will make the journey down under.
NFL games have previously been played outside of the United States, with more than 50 regular-season matches held in cities like London, Munich, and Mexico City. But the Melbourne game in 2026 will be a historic first for Australia, reflecting the growing footprint of the NFL in the southern hemisphere. As the NFL continues to build its presence globally, the sport’s popularity in Australia is set to soar, and with it, an exciting new chapter in Australian sports history.
Fans across Australia and around the world are eagerly awaiting this new chapter, which promises to bring a fresh wave of excitement and opportunities for the growth of American football in the region. The 2026 game at the MCG is just the start of what promises to be an exciting journey for the NFL in Australia.
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