The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams could face off in their historic game in Australia to kick off the 2026 NFL season according to a recent report.
Puck sports correspondent John Ourand reported the 49ers and Rams will either play Wednesday, Sept. 9 or Thursday, Sept. 10 (h/t Pro Football Talk). The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will play on the day San Francisco doesn’t play.
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It would make sense if the NFL stuck to its typical regular season opener where the Super Bowl champion opens its season and the full NFL slate at home. However, a trip to Australia for the 49ers and Rams throws a wrench into those plans and may force the NFL to veer from its usual scheduling.
The time change from Pacific Time to Melbourne is plus 19 hours, which means teams will undergo two dramatic time changes in quick succession with their flight to Australia and their flight back. The NFL may want to give the 49ers and Rams that extra day to reacclimate their body clocks before they begin their Week 2 preparations.
This year the NFL schedule is expected to be officially released in mid-May.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers vs. Rams game in Australia could be opener for 2026 NFL season