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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.
Much like the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers last season in São Paulo, Brazil, the NFL scheduled division rivals the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams to participate in the first-ever game in Australia.
The 49ers and Rams kick off at 10:35 a.m. local time in Melbourne on September 11, or 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)
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, who was in attendance at the NFL owners’ meetings in Phoenix on Monday, was asked by reporters about his plans to travel to Australia, about a 14-hour flight, to start his team’s season.
“I don’t see any pros,” he said bluntly.
Shanahan admitted it was “cool for the league to play on a global scale,” even calling it “awesome” that international fans could experience American soccer in their countries.
RAMS AND 49ERS TO MEET IN AUSTRALIA FOR HISTORIC NFL GAME AS LEAGUE REVEALS DATE, TIME
However, as a coach focused on the health and performance of his team, Shanahan doesn’t like the idea of starting the season overseas after a grueling training camp that determines his roster.
“But as far as the team doing it, no, it doesn’t provide much benefit. Sometimes it’s nice to have a bye week afterwards, but that doesn’t happen in Week 1.”
As for the time difference, Shanahan was sarcastic in his response to the San Francisco Chronicle.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan shouts toward an official during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Matt Ludtke/AP Photo)
“Oh, so excited. So, are we going back in time or the future? I think we win one day or lose one day? I don’t know which yet, but it is what it is. We’ll figure it out.”
Knowing the NFL isn’t going to change its mind here, Shanahan and the 49ers have no choice but to work with the cards they have to start the year. But general manager John Lynch noted the 49ers will get used to Australia’s time difference and everything that comes with an international game by arriving there a few days before kickoff.
Now, it is not uncommon for matches to sometimes be played abroad to accommodate fans back home. But playing a football match at 10:35 a.m. can present its fair share of challenges, as games are usually played at night.
Shanahan also noted that he was “excited” about hosting another international match during the 2026 season, although it’s unclear if sarcasm came into play here.
The 49ers will also be involved in the NFL game in Mexico in December. No opponents have yet been named for the matchup, but they 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 host NFL competitions.
