49ers schedule release in review: Too much unnecessary international flair

TL;DR

The San Francisco 49ers will open their 2026 season in Melbourne against the Los Angeles Rams, part of a record nine international games this year. The schedule features a tough stretch from Week 14 to Week 17, including matchups against playoff contenders.

Key points

49ers open 2026 season in Melbourne against Rams
Record nine international games scheduled for 2026
Tough stretch from Week 14 to Week 17 for the 49ers
Week 18 game against the Arizona Cardinals
49ers have a strong recent record against the Cardinals

Mentioned in this story

MelbourneMexico City

San Francisco 49ersLos Angeles RamsMinnesota VikingsKansas City Chiefs

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 17: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a fumble with Clelin Ferrell #96 and Jordan James #29 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lumen Field on January 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images The National Football League is obsessed with dominating the sports world’s news cycle. With free agency and the draft in the rearview, the league tries to take over the headlines by using the month of May to slowly leak the upcoming season’s schedule before officially announcing it on a ceremonial day. That day this year was Thursday, and after knowing the San Francisco 49ers are opening the season in Melbourne, Australia, against the Los Angeles Rams, we now know the remaining 16 games. Here’s a quick review of the 49ers’ 2026 regular-season schedule: **Too much unnecessary international flair** I miss the days when the international slate was just the Jacksonville Jaguars playing a throwaway game in London, but this year the league jumped the shark. There will be a record nine international games, spanning from Mexico City to Melbourne, Australia, with the 49ers included in both cities. Instead of taking the 90-minute flight to for what proves to be an extra home game at SoFi Stadium, the 49ers and Rams instead have to travel to the other side of the world for what usually proves to be an important divisional matchup. Traditionally, international games would feature two non-conference teams, but last year the trend was bucked when the took on the Chargers in Brazil. Now, the 49ers fall victim to Roger Goodell and the NFL’s obsession with expanding the game globally. But Australia wasn’t enough, as the 49ers will lose a home game this season to play the in Mexico City in Week 11. The November game will mark the third time in history that the 49ers have played south of the border, losing to the in 2005 and but making up for it in 2022 with a 38-10 blowout of Arizona, but this is the first game in which the 49ers will play as the home team. It would be preferable that the NFL not make a single team travel twice out of the United States, but I guess the league will follow the money when it can, and the 49ers are among the most profitable teams in the league. **The group of death** The first thing I look for with every schedule release is where the toughest stretch of the season will come, and for the 49ers, it comes near the end in 2026. It could be argued that from Week 10 through Week 17 is that stretch, but let’s take a microscope to the back four games that run:

Q&A

What is the San Francisco 49ers' 2026 season opener location?

The 49ers will open their 2026 season in Melbourne, Australia, against the Los Angeles Rams.

How many international games will the NFL have in 2026?

The NFL will feature a record nine international games in 2026.

What is the toughest stretch in the 49ers' 2026 schedule?

The toughest stretch for the 49ers comes from Week 14 to Week 17, facing the Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, and Eagles.

Who will the 49ers play in their Week 18 game of the 2026 season?

In Week 18, the 49ers will face the Arizona Cardinals.