49ers defeat Rams 27-7 in Melbourne as Warner sets tackle record

The San Francisco 49ers opened their 2026 season with a dominant 27-7 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in a Week 1 game played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. The blowout win was highlighted by a stark contrast in the teams' travel schedules and a record-setting performance from linebacker Fred Warner. The 49ers arrived in Melbourne a full week before the game, allowing for a normal practice schedule and acclimatization. In contrast, the Rams departed Los Angeles on Tuesday and arrived approximately 24 hours before kickoff. The difference in preparation was a central theme in the postgame discussion. Warner, who led the 49ers defense with 11 combined tackles, publicly highlighted the disparity. During his postgame press conference, he stated that the 49ers "got stronger" as the game progressed, while the Rams "withered away." Warner later posted an Instagram video of Rams head coach Sean McVay's pregame comment that his team was "well rested" after their late travel. The game also marked a personal milestone for Warner. He surpassed Hall of Famer Patrick Willis to become the 49ers' all-time leader in career tackles.