The San Francisco 49ers opened their 2026 NFL season with a commanding 27-7 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. The win marked the first regular-season NFL game on the continent and highlighted the 49ers' superior preparation against a heavily favored opponent.

Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes for 205 yards while completing 25 of 34 attempts, connecting with Demarcus Robinson, Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel. The 49ers' offense gained 379 total yards and converted seven of 12 third downs. Their defense limited the Rams to 290 yards and forced two turnovers.

The Rams struck first in the second quarter when Kyren Williams scored on a five-yard run, but San Francisco responded immediately with a 39-yard touchdown pass from Purdy to Robinson. The 49ers then scored 17 unanswered points in the second half, including a 99-yard drive capped by Samuel's 15-yard touchdown reception. Eddy Pineiro added a 56-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter.

The 49ers benefited from arriving in Melbourne a full week before kickoff, while the Rams landed just over 24 hours prior. A crowd of 100,021 attended the historic matchup. San Francisco improved to 1-0, while the Rams fell to 0-1.

Matthew Stafford completed 15 of 25 passes for 155 yards and one interception in the loss. The 49ers' defense repeatedly disrupted the Rams' offense, including a goal-line stand that preserved their lead.