The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 27-7 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, in the NFL’s first regular-season game in the Asia-Pacific region.
The crowd exceeded 100,000, giving the league a major stage for a game that formed part of a record nine international games planned for 2026. The trip was also described as the longest-ever road trip.
Brock Purdy led the 49ers’ victory with three touchdown passes. The quarterback completed 25 of 34 passes for 205 yards as San Francisco took control against a Rams side viewed as Super Bowl favourites.
Demarcus Robinson scored for the 49ers before half-time. Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel also scored touchdowns for San Francisco. Kyren Williams scored the Rams’ touchdown.
The two teams took sharply different approaches to their time in Australia. The 49ers arrived in Melbourne a week before the game, while the Rams spent just over 24 hours in Australia. The effect of those contrasting preparations on the result is unknown, though the longer stay may have aided San Francisco.
Los Angeles had strengthened its roster before the game, acquiring defensive end Myles Garrett and bringing Aaron Donald out of retirement to join the Rams. Those additions did not prevent the 49ers from claiming the first regular-season NFL win in the region.
The Jonas Brothers performed at half-time, adding to the occasion at a venue large enough to accommodate the crowd of more than 100,000.
For the NFL, the Melbourne fixture was a significant step in its international strategy. The league has scheduled a record nine international games in 2026, and this contest extended that programme into the Asia-Pacific region with a regular-season game on a scale few venues can match.
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