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Once again, the NFL’s opening weekend finds two teams overseas, and one of the head coaches involved doesn’t like it.
Like the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers last season in São Paulo, Brazil, the NFL has scheduled its divisional rivals, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, to participate in the first game in Australia.
The 49ers and Rams will kick off at 10:35 a.m. local time in Melbourne on September 11, which will be 8:35 p.m. ET on September 10 in the United States.
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San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan calls a play during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on September 28, 2025. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Reporters asked 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, who was present at the NFL owners’ meetings in Phoenix on Monday, what he thought about traveling to Australia, which is about a 14-hour flight, to start his team’s season.
“I don’t see any professionals,” he said bluntly.
Shanahan admitted that it was “great for the league to play globally,” and even called it “amazing” that international fans can experience American soccer in their countries.
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However, as a coach focused on his team’s health and performance, Shanahan doesn’t like the idea of starting the season overseas after a grueling training camp determining his roster.
“But as far as the team doing it, no, there’s not much benefit to it. Sometimes it’s nice to have a break a week later, but it doesn’t happen in Week 1.”
Regarding the time difference, Shanahan was sarcastic with his response to the San Francisco Chronicle.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan yells at a referee during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Matt Ludtke/AP Photo)
“Oh, how excited. So, are we going back in time or into the future? Do I think we gain a day or lose a day? I’m not sure which yet, but it is what it is. We’ll deal with it.”
Knowing the NFL isn’t going to change its mind here, Shanahan and the 49ers have no choice but to deal with the cards they have to start the year. But general manager John Lynch said the 49ers will get used to the time difference in Australia and everything else that comes with an international game if they get there days before kickoff.
Now, it is not uncommon for matches to sometimes be played abroad to accommodate fans returning home. But playing a soccer game at 10:35 a.m. can have its challenges, since games are usually played at night.
Shanahan also noted being “excited” to have another international game during the 2026 season, although it’s unknown if sarcasm came into play here.
The 49ers will also participate in the NFL game in Mexico City in December. An opponent for the matchup has not yet been named, but will be revealed in May when each team’s schedule is released.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan walks on the field before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Minneapolis. (Abbie Parr/AP Photo)
In total, the NFL will play a record nine international games during the 2026 season, as the league continues to expand its global reach. There will be three games in London, while Melbourne, Mexico City, Paris, Munich, Rio de Janeiro and Madrid will also have NFL competitions.
