Cody Simpson, Infinity Song to Perform Anthems at 2026 NFL Melbourne Game
MELBOURNE — Aug. 18, 2026 — Australian singer Cody Simpson and U.S. rock band Infinity Song will perform the national anthems before the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game, adding an international lineup of music and entertainment to the league’s historic first regular-season game in Australia.
The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will meet Friday, Sept. 11, at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The game will stream live on Netflix at 10:35 a.m. ET Saturday, Sept. 12, AEST in Australia, and at 8:35 p.m. ET Thursday, Sept. 10, in the United States.
Simpson will perform the Australian national anthem before Infinity Song performs the U.S. national anthem.
The game will also feature a performance of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” by the cast of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, which is currently playing in Melbourne.
Simpson to Represent Australia
For Simpson, the performance carries personal significance. Born in Australia and having spent time living in both Australia and California, the singer-songwriter said performing the Australian national anthem at the Melbourne Cricket Ground represents a unique opportunity.
Simpson rose to international prominence as a teenager after signing with Atlantic Records at age 13. His second studio album, Surfer’s Paradise, reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200.
The Australian artist returned to music earlier this year with the singles “Baby Blue,” “When It Comes to Loving You” and “Fluent,” beginning a new chapter in his career.
The NFL Melbourne Game will bring together two California franchises, with Simpson noting his connection to the Los Angeles Rams and his longtime familiarity with the NFL.
Infinity Song to Perform U.S. National Anthem
New York-based rock band Infinity Song will represent the United States during the pregame ceremony.
The group is made up of siblings Abraham, Angel, Israel and Momo Boyd and is recognized for its four-part harmonies, musicianship and genre-blending sound.
Infinity Song recently released its third self-titled album through Roc Nation Distribution. The band has also appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk and COLORS, performed at major festivals and continued building an international audience through touring.
The group said performing the national anthem will be a meaningful part of the pregame experience as fans from Australia and the United States come together for the historic matchup.
‘Sweet Caroline’ Comes to the MCG
Fans will also hear one of Neil Diamond’s most recognizable songs during the game.
The cast of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical will perform “Sweet Caroline” during a game break, bringing the music of the legendary singer-songwriter from the Melbourne theater stage to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Created in collaboration with Diamond, A Beautiful Noise chronicles his rise from Brooklyn to international stardom. The production is scheduled to play in Melbourne through Nov. 7 after opening Aug. 8.
Jonas Brothers Set to Headline Halftime
The entertainment lineup does not stop with the pregame performances.
The Jonas Brothers were previously announced as the halftime performers for the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game.
Their appearance is part of a record seven halftime shows presented by American Express across the NFL's 2026 International Games. The performances will span seven countries and four continents as the NFL stages its largest international schedule to date.
The league's international expansion in 2026 includes games in London, Madrid, Melbourne, Mexico City, Munich, Paris and Rio de Janeiro.
Melbourne Prepares for an NFL Weekend
The NFL Melbourne Game represents another major step in the league's effort to grow its presence in Australia.
The NFL has previously played 62 regular-season games outside the United States, with international games held in markets including London, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Madrid, Dublin, São Paulo, Mexico City and Toronto.
Melbourne will become the latest city to join that list when the 49ers and Rams take the field at the iconic MCG.
The NFL Kickoff Festival presented by American Express will also take place at Melbourne Park from Sept. 10-12. The festival will feature an official watch party for the Seattle Seahawks-New England Patriots season opener, along with performances from Australian artists including Sneaky Sound System, Kita Alexander, Peking Duk, Hot Dub Time Machine, Public Figures and Grinspoon.
With the national anthems, “Sweet Caroline,” the Jonas Brothers and a first-of-its-kind NFL regular-season game in Australia, Melbourne is preparing for a weekend that blends American football with Australian and international music culture.
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