Touchdown on 'hallowed turf': excitement as the NFL comes to Australia

NFL executive vice president Peter O'Reilly confirmed on February 6 that the Los Angeles Rams would play in Melbourne in 2026 in the first game of a multi-year deal with the Victorian capital.

Victorian premier Jacinta Allan said the decision would be a "win" for jobs, businesses and fans of American football.

"We're thrilled the NFL will be touching down in the sporting capital of Australia. Victoria is now the first-ever state in Australia to host a regular season NFL game," she said.

The opponent has not yet been confirmed but the LA Ram's owner and chairman E. Stanley Kroenke believes his team has "passionate fans" in Melbourne.

Australia is a significant global market for the NFL with a growing fan base of 6.6 million across the country, the NFL said.

Australian players have also become a fixture in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles' Jordan Mailata, the Seattle Seahawks' Michael Dickson and the San Francisco 49ers' Mitch Wishnowsky among those making waves in the sport.

"Expanding to Melbourne, Australia, a beautiful city with a rich sports history, underlines our ambitions to become a global sport and accelerate international growth," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said.

"Together with the Victorian State Government, Visit Victoria and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and with the Los Angeles Rams in 2026, we look forward to making history in what is an important market for the NFL and a significant next step in expanding our international footprint."

Australia is not alone in holding international NFL games. London, Munich, Mexico City and Sao Paolo are among host cities. Berlin and Madrid are also expected to welcome a regular season NFL game.

Victoria's minister for tourism, sport and major events Steve Dimopoulos said "NFL fans will love Melbourne's culture, food, sport and entertainment.

"From hidden laneways to blockbuster events, there's always something new on show. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the NFL to be played on the hallowed turf of the MCG," he said.

Tickets have not yet been announced but fans can register their interest at https://nfl.com/melbourne.