The San Francisco 49ers will open their 2026 season in Melbourne, Australia, facing the Los Angeles Rams in a Week 1 matchup on September 10. The trip presents a significant challenge, with a long-haul flight and a drastic time change awaiting both NFL teams.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media Monday morning at the NFL's annual meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, where he was asked about San Francisco's international schedule—one that includes two games abroad in 2026.


"I was so fired up. That was our goal, to go 19 hours away to play a game," Shanahan said sarcastically. "I think we're going back in time or into the future. I think we gain a day or lose a day—I'm not sure which one yet.

"But it is what it is. We'll deal with it. I think there's eight international games. We got two of them, so I'm fired up about that."

When asked if there were any positives to playing the NFL's first regular-season game in Melbourne, Shanahan didn't offer much enthusiasm.

"No, not at all," Shanahan said. "I don't see any pro. I mean, it's cool for the league to play globally. I think it's awesome, but as far as the team doing it, there's not much benefit to it.

"Sometimes it's nice to get a bye week after, but it doesn't happen for Week 1."


The second international game will be in Mexico City, likely in December. While one overseas trip is already a challenge, adding another game outside of the country adds another layer of difficulty. Still, Shanahan made it clear the team has little control over the situation.

When asked whether teams can negotiate any part of the international schedule, Shanahan was blunt: "No, they tell you, you deal with it."

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