NFL: Australia's MCG to host regular-season game in 2026
What's the story
Australia will be the sixth international country to host a regular-season game, the National Football League (NFL) announced.
The decision comes as part of the league's ongoing global expansion strategy.
Meanwhile, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which can accommodate an impressive 100,000 spectators, has been selected as the venue for this inaugural Asia-Pacific region match scheduled for the 2026 season.
Here's more.
Game details
Los Angeles Rams to play 1st NFL game in Australia
The Los Angeles Rams have been designated as the 'home' team for the first NFL game at the MCG, marking a significant step in the league's multi-year commitment.
This move underscores the NFL's global ambitions and its efforts to engage Australia's rapidly growing fan base of 6.6 million enthusiasts.
"International games are one of the most impactful elements of our global strategy," said Peter O'Reilly, executive vice president of the NFL.
Expansion strategy
NFL's global expansion includes South America
With a recent game in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the NFL has been aggressively expanding its global footprint.
Meanwhile, this was the league's first foray into South America.
Additionally, the NFL has sealed a multi-year agreement with the Rams to host its first regular-season game in Brazil, making it the fifth country to join the list after England, Mexico, Germany, and Canada.
Schedule announcement
NFL's Melbourne game set for 2026 season opener
O'Reilly hinted that the Melbourne game is "likely" to be scheduled for the opening week of the 2026 season, allowing teams ample time to acclimate.
The announcement was made in New Orleans during Super Bowl week, with further updates expected on next season's international games.
So far, five such games have been confirmed for 2025, with Madrid and Berlin hosting their first matches and three more slated for London.
Collaboration
AFL supports NFL game at MCG despite scheduling conflicts
Initially, the Australian Football League (AFL) expressed concerns about hosting an NFL game at the MCG during its season due to potential scheduling conflicts.
However, they have now voiced their support for the mega sporting event.
An AFL spokesperson said, "We have a long history of working with governments and venues to support major sporting and cultural events."
The league intends to continue working together to ensure both AFL and NFL fans can enjoy these events.
Other sports
MCG has hosted these sports apart from cricket
Apart from cricket, the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground was the centre of the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, making it one of the few stadiums to host the Olympics.
Additionally, the MCG is home to several AFL teams, including the Melbourne Football Club, Richmond Football Club, and Essendon Football Club.
The MCG has also hosted soccer matches, alongside the Rugby Union matches and National Rugby League matches.
The MCG has hosted the Australian Open tennis Grand Slam tournament as well.