The NFL confirmed its plans to return to Sāo Paulo, Brazil, in Week 1 after making its debut in the city last year. The Chargers were initially announced as the designated team, however, an opponent hasn't been publicly been revealed prior the official full schedule release on Wednesday (May 14).

The NFL also announced plans to make its Australia debut next season at a date and time to be determined later, but will feature the Rams as the designated team against an opponent announced at a later date, according to NFL.com.

"Expanding to Melbourne, Australia, a beautiful city with a rich sports history, underlines our ambitions to become a global sport and accelerate international growth," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "Together with the Victorian State Government, Visit Victoria and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and with the Los Angeles Rams in 2026, we look forward to making history in what is an important market for the NFL and a significant next step in expanding our international footprint."

"We're thrilled the NFL will be touching down in the sporting capital of Australia. Victoria is now the first-ever state in Australia to host a regular season NFL game," said Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan. "It's a win for jobs, a win for businesses and a win for fans who will get to see American football played at the iconic MCG."

Australia is viewed to be a significant global market for the NFL's international growth with a fan base estimated to be 6.6 million nationwide. The Rams, along with the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, hold marketing rights in Australia as part of the NFL's Global Markets Program, an initiative that rewards teams with international marketing rights to build brand awareness beyond the United States.

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