
The NFL has released the full 2026 preseason schedule, starting with the Hall of Fame Game on August 6 between the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers. This preseason is crucial for teams as they finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season.

Getty Images
The NFL has unveiled the full 2026 regular season schedule. While everyone immediately leaps into all of those upcoming matchups, the release of the preseason schedule (which also came out on Thursday) oftentimes falls under the radar. It's understandable given that those are merely exhibitions to prepare organizations for the real thing come September, but it is a critical piece of the NFL calendar. It's where roster spots can be earned or lost, and rookies and veterans alike lay the foundation for the upcoming year.
Of course, we'll get it all started with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, when the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers kick off on Aug. 6. Below, you can find every team's preseason schedules, with some start times for some games still to be determined.
*All times Eastern
The 2026 NFL preseason begins on August 6 with the Hall of Fame Game and includes various exhibition games leading up to the regular season.
The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers will compete in the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game.
The NFL preseason is critical for teams as it allows players to compete for roster spots and helps coaches evaluate talent before the regular season.
The 2026 NFL regular season is set to begin in September, following the completion of the preseason games.


Referee John Beaton and his family are under police protection after his personal details were leaked online. This follows Beaton's controversial penalty decision for Celtic during a match against Motherwell, which led to a 3-2 victory for Celtic.

Ravi Shastri endorses Sanju Samson as future T20I captain for India
Top-15 ranked player Isaiah Hill commits to Purdue basketball, choosing them over Louisville and Florida State.
Edin Džeko weighs options for his future after Schalke's promotion.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.