The MCG will host an NFL divisional rivalry in 2026, as the San Francisco 49ers have been confirmed to take on the Los Angeles Rams in a September matchup that could disrupt the AFL's finals fixture.
Slated for week one of the 2025-26 NFL season, the first-ever regular-season game in Melbourne is set to clash with the AFL's post-season plans, which will now commence in late August following the introduction of a Wildcard Round.
The match between the Rams and 49ers is tipped to be scheduled for a mid-morning start time to maximise the US audience, with Thursday, September 10 or Friday, September 11 viewed as ideal dates for the encounter.
That week includes the AFL's pair of semi-final fixtures, with any home final for a Victorian club set to cause headaches at AFL House.
One Melbourne-based final could be played on the Saturday night, leaving the league and MCC sweating on turnaround time for the quality of the playing surface.
MCC CEO Stuart Fox has previously hinted that a Friday morning time slot is likely for the match.
A second final in Melbourne could potentially be forced away from the MCG given the timing of the NFL's move to Victoria.
Friday's announcement of the 49ers being locked in as the Rams' opponent for the game has left Australian NFL fans ecstatic with the result, with the two franchises being close rivals and expected to contend for the Super Bowl next season.
The fixture could see a sell-out crowd at the MCG in what could be a bumper week for the MCC.
