Eagles fans hoping for a trip to the land of Oz in 2026 will have to put their plans on ice. Despite earlier reports suggesting a potential Eagles appearance in the NFL's first-ever game in Australia, it's been confirmed that the Birds won't be making the journey to Melbourne.

The Los Angeles Rams will be the designated home team for this historic matchup, and they're not scheduled to face the Eagles in 2026.  Instead, the Eagles are set to host the Rams in Philadelphia next season.  

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie previously poured cold water on rumors of the Eagles playing in Australia, citing the team's recent commitment to playing a game in Brazil this season.  Lurie expressed reluctance to sacrifice another home game so soon.  

The confusion likely stemmed from the fact that both the Rams and the Eagles hold marketing rights for Australia under the NFL's Global Markets Program. While the Rams will be playing in Melbourne, their opponent will be one of their other scheduled home games: the Seahawks, 49ers, Cardinals, Cowboys, Giants, Chiefs, Chargers, or the as-yet-determined finishers from the NFC North and AFC East.

While a 2026 trip is off the table, this isn't necessarily the end of the road for the Eagles and Australia. The NFL has announced a multi-year commitment to playing games in the country, leaving the door open for a future Eagles appearance down under.  

The connection between the Eagles and Australia runs deeper than just marketing rights.  Star left tackle Jordan Mailata, a proud Australian native, has expressed his desire to see the NFL grow in his home country.  

"It’d mean a lot to have the game for eyes, the viewership," Mailata said at Super Bowl Opening Night. "I really want this sport to grow back home. And if we can bring the game there to generate interest and keep the growth of the game going, that’d mean a lot to me.”

While the Eagles won't be playing in Australia in 2026, Mailata's passion and the NFL's commitment to the region suggest that a future Eagles game in Australia is a distinct possibility. Whether they'll be the designated home team or a visiting opponent remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Eagles and their Australian contingent are eager to bring the excitement of NFL football to the land of kangaroos and koalas.

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