Melbourne has once again cemented its status as Australia’s premier destination for sports, culture, and world-class events by securing the first-ever National Football League (NFL) Regular Season game in Australia.

Set for the 2026 season, this historic showdown will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with the Los Angeles Rams as the designated home team. Notably, this marks the first time an NFL game will be played outside the Americas or Europe, further elevating Melbourne’s global sporting prestige.

The NFL clash adds to the city’s impressive lineup of major events, including a record-breaking 1.2 million attendance at the Australian Open and the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 Grand Prix, which is expected to draw 450,000 fans in March.

Melbourne’s 2025 calendar is packed with can’t-miss experiences, from the National Gallery of Victoria’s highly anticipated Yayoi Kusama exhibition to the iconic Melbourne Cup and the renowned Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. Beyond these marquee events, visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant street art, world-class dining, and thriving coffee culture. What often surprises travelers, however, is Melbourne’s seamless access to nature—from the stunning Great Ocean Road to the adorable penguins of Phillip Island.

The city’s growing accessibility to the United States further strengthens its appeal as a global sports hub. Delta Air Lines recently announced direct service from Los Angeles to Melbourne, making travel even more convenient. With around 1,200 non-stop flights between Melbourne and the U.S. annually—offered by Qantas, United, and other carriers—over 435,000 passengers connect between the two regions each year.

“Another touchdown for the sporting capital of Australia,” said Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan. “Only Victoria can host an international grand slam, only Victoria can experience the Formula 1 Grand Prix, only Victoria can break records with the Boxing Day Test – and Victoria is now the only city in Australia to host the NFL.”

The post Melbourne Makes History, Hosting Australia’s First-Ever NFL Regular Season Showdown appeared first on Travel And Tour World.