49ers Win Australia Debut Amid Mixed NFL Performances

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49ers Win Australia Debut Amid Mixed NFL Performances

60 sourcesUpdated Sep 12, 2026

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The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 27-7 at Melbourne Cricket Ground in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia, after leading 10-7 at halftime before a crowd of about 100,000. San Francisco’s rookie receiver De’Zhaun Stribling suffered an ankle injury in his NFL debut and was carted off, while tight end Jake Tonges was also sidelined. The Jonas Brothers performed a halftime set featuring “Sucker,” “Year 3000” and “You’re the Voice,” drawing mixed reactions, and Joe Jonas nearly missed it after flight disruptions. Infinity Song’s subdued performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was widely criticized, while Cody Simpson’s rendition of Australia’s anthem received stronger reviews. A separate Seahawks-Patriots season opener also featured Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready performing the U.S. anthem on electric guitar, another performance that divided viewers.

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618%

Other

27

Total sources60

Last updatedSep 12, 2026

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How it spread

Broke sports.yahoo.com · Sep 11, 9:40 AM ETCenter within the hourLeft within the hourRight +3h129 sources +13h on

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How each side headlines it

Left· 11 sources

“15 impressive stats from 49ers' tone-setting blowout win vs. Rams in Week 1 of 2026 NFL season”

KNTV - NBC Bay Area · Sep 11, 2026

Center· 16 sources

“49ers crush tired Rams”

KSAZ - Fox 10 Phoenix · Sep 12, 2026

Right· 6 sources

“Rams’ disastrous performance against 49ers featured one jarring surprise, says analyst”

New York Post · Sep 12, 2026

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7 sources