<h2>Rams and 49ers Confirmed for Historic Melbourne NFL Game – Third Down News Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/american-football/nfl/seattle-seahawks-at-new-england-patriots-10064530">NFL</a> announces Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will play the first regular season game in Melbourne.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Historic matchup to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground later in 2026.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Star players including Puka Nacua and Christian McCaffrey set to feature in the blockbuster NFC West showdown.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Historic NFL Matchup Heads Down Under</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The announcement marks a watershed moment for Australian sports fans, with the NFC West rivals set to deliver a blockbuster showdown at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.</p> <p>This historic regular season fixture represents the NFL's continued expansion into international markets, bringing America's most popular sport directly to Australian shores.</p> <p>Both franchises bring serious star power to Melbourne, headlined by Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.</p> <p>The matchup promises to showcase elite NFL talent in one of Australia's most iconic sporting venues.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Championship Contenders Ready for Melbourne Stage</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Rams enter this historic fixture following an impressive 2025-26 campaign that saw veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford turn back the clock.</p> <p>At 37 years old, Stafford delivered a phenomenal season, throwing for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns with just eight interceptions during the regular season.</p> <p>His outstanding performance established him as an MVP favourite and led Los Angeles to the NFC Championship game.</p> <p>The 49ers bring their own championship pedigree to Melbourne, anchored by quarterback Brock Purdy's remarkable success story.</p> <p>The former Mr. Irrelevant - the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft - has transformed into one of the league's premier quarterbacks.</p> <p>San Francisco rewarded Purdy's excellence with a massive five-year, $265 million contract, cementing his status as the franchise cornerstone.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>MCG Set to Host NFL Spectacle</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Melbourne Cricket Ground provides the perfect backdrop for this historic encounter, with its capacity to accommodate over 100,000 spectators.</p> <p>NFL Australia &amp; New Zealand General Manager Charlotte Offord expressed enthusiasm about bringing this NFC West rivalry to Australian fans.</p> <p>"The 49ers are a popular franchise within the Australian market, and this rivalry game solidifies what we know is going to be an incredible NFL experience for our fans down under," Offord stated.</p> <p>Both teams were eliminated from Super Bowl contention this season by the eventual NFC champions, the Seattle Seahawks.</p> <p>However, their status as perennial playoff contenders ensures Melbourne fans will witness top-tier NFL action.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Game Details and Ticket Information</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>While the NFL has confirmed the Rams versus 49ers matchup for Melbourne, specific details regarding the game date, kick-off time, and ticket information will be announced later.</p> <p>This Melbourne game represents more than just a regular season fixture - it's a historic moment that will introduce countless Australian fans to the excitement of live NFL action.</p> <p>With championship-calibre teams and superstar players confirmed, the MCG is set to host an unforgettable sporting spectacle that could reshape the NFL's presence in the Australian market.</p>