The San Francisco 49ers will kick off their 2026 season in Melbourne, Australia against the Los Angeles Rams on September 10. The full NFL schedule will be released on May 14, 2026.
Key points
49ers open 2026 season in Melbourne, Australia
First game against Los Angeles Rams on September 10
Full NFL schedule to be released on May 14
Nine international games announced for the NFL
Mentioned in this story
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San Francisco 49ersLos Angeles Rams
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Get ready to mark your calendars with specific dates and kickoff times for the upcoming NFL season.
The NFL full schedule release is set to air Thursday, May 14 at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network and ESPN2. The league will announce select games earlier in the week plus its record-setting nine international games on May 13 on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football".
The San Francisco 49ers are one of the teams with an international game, as its been announced that they will open the 2026 regular-season in Melbourne, Australia against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10.
The Niners have another game planned in Mexico City, with their opponent will be announced on May 13. Here's a look ahead at the 49ers' opponents and outlook for the 2026 season.
The Seahawks are the reigning Super Bowl champions. They're San Francisco's best opponent going into the 2026 season. Here's a ranking of all their opponents.
The Niners advanced to the postseason with a wild card berth. San Francisco defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round but lost in the NFC Divisional Round to the eventual Super Bowl champion-Seattle Seahawks.
49ers' 2026 outlook
The 49ers look to bounce back in 2026 after being active in the offseason during free agency and the draft.
San Francisco made splash signings, bringing All-Pro receiver Mike Evans into the threshold and signing slot receiver Christian Kirk. They also brought back linebacker Dre Greenlaw and resigned veteran All-Pro offensive tackle Trent Williams.
Needed positions were addressed during the 2026 NFL Draft to fill holes and add depth. Draft selections such as De'Zhaun Stribling, Jaden Dugger, Romello Height, Ephesians Prysock and Kaelon Black could find reps that contribute to the overall success of the team.
San Francisco has posted a winning record and made the postseason in five of nine seasons since bringing along head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. The team has been the best team in the NFC West division three times: in 2019, 2022 and 2023. The 49ers won two NFC championships and appeared in two Super Bowls: in 2019 and 2023.
Provided the Niners have better luck with health and injuries in 2026, they are poised to have another successful regular-season and make a run at the Lombardi trophy.
