It feels crazy to talk about the 2026 season when we have yet to crown the 2024 NFL champions. But on Wednesday, the league announced that the Los Angeles Rams will be “hosting” a game in Australia in 2026.
The Rams will have nine home games that season, including matchups against the Cardinals, 49ers, Seahawks, Cowboys, Giants, Chiefs and Chargers. Depending on seeding, they will also play a team from the AFC East and NFC North.
Let’s try this again: The #Rams HOME opponents for 2026. Duh. So these teams are the candidates to play them in Australia. No #Eagles. pic.twitter.com/nZYmy8u8DR
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 5, 2025
That means the Minnesota Vikings could play in Australia’s first regular-season game. For that to happen, the Vikings and Rams would need to finish in the same spot in their respective divisions. Then, the league would have to choose the Vikings over the other eligible teams.
The Vikings aren’t strangers to international play. They’ve played in London in two of the past three seasons, defeating the Saints in 2022 and Jets in 2024. Including preseason games, the Vikings are undefeated in international matchups, boasting a 5-0 record.
