The NFL schedule for the 2026 season is expected to be released around mid-May, with a possible announcement during the week of May 11. Key highlights include the season kickoff game on September 9 and a record nine international games, including matches in Australia and Brazil.
Key points
NFL schedule release expected mid-May 2026
Season kickoff game on September 9, 2026
Record nine international games planned
First NFL game in Australia on September 11, 2026
Traditional Thanksgiving games hosted by Cowboys and Lions
Buffalo BillsDenver BroncosSeattle SeahawksNew England Patriots
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills scrambles against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an AFC Divisional Playoff game at Empower Field At Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills scrambles against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an AFC Divisional Playoff game at Empower Field At Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The next big date on the annual NFL calendar is just around the corner.
The release of the schedule for the 2026-27 season.
Say what you want about this annual tradition — it is just a list of dates for games we already know are going to be played thanks to the league’s scheduling formula — but it has become a bedrock event in the offseason. From schedule release videos that often highlight the creative minds in each team’s social media departments, to the days (if not weeks) of content that follows, this is the next big stop on the road to Super Bowl LXI.
So to help set that road, here is what we know so far, what to expect when the schedule drops, games we are already looking forward to, and more.
When will the 2026 schedule be released?
As of Thursday, the NFL has not released a specific date for the announcement of the 2026 regular-season schedule. Traditionally, the league has targeted mid-May for the unveiling, leading many to believe the week of May 11 will be the timeframe.
However, on a recent podcast appearance Mike North, the NFL’s Vice President of Broadcast Planning, said it could be later.
“Most fans know full well that the schedule comes out in mid-May now,” North said on the ** podcast. “That’s what we’ve done the last five or six years. That’s sort of our target. Is there any magic to May 12, 13, 14? No. Is there any real downside to [May] 19, 20 or 21? No.”
Q&A
When will the NFL schedule for the 2026 season be released?
The NFL schedule is traditionally released in mid-May, with expectations for the announcement during the week of May 11.
What is the significance of the NFL kickoff game in 2026?
The NFL kickoff game in 2026 will feature the defending Super Bowl Champions on September 9, marking a shift to a Wednesday instead of the usual Thursday.
How many international games will the NFL have in 2026?
The NFL will feature a record nine international games in 2026, including matches in Australia, Brazil, and Europe.
Which teams are playing in the first international NFL game in Australia?
The first international NFL game in Australia will be between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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Here is what we know right now, days ahead of the release of the 2026 NFL schedule.
NFL Kickoff Game
The annual game featuring the defending Super Bowl Champions will again start the NFL season. However, this year that game will be pushed up one day and be played on a Wednesday, not a Thursday. More on that in a moment, but the Seattle Seahawks will honor their victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on Wednesday, September 9, at Lumen Field.
Who they will host remains to be seen, but we have some ideas.
NFL International Games
This year, the NFL will feature a record nine international games. We know the exact dates for two of these games.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
The first international game on the 2026 schedule will be played between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, and is the reason the Seahawks will begin their season on a Wednesday. The game between the Rams and the 49ers will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, and be the first NFL regular season game played on that continent.
Due to the time difference, that game will kickoff at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, September 11, meaning it will start at 8:35 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, September 10.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens
The NFL returns to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in late September, when the Baltimore Ravens square off with the Dallas Cowboys on September 27 at the Maracanã Stadium.
In addition, there will be three games played in London, with the Jacksonville Jaguars playing in two of those. Jacksonville will be the host team for a game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and then for a game at Wembley Stadium. The Washington Commanders will also be the host team for the third game played in London, also at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Detroit Lions will be the home team for a game played at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
The Atlanta Falcons will be the home team for a game played at Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain.
A trip to Australia is not the only time the 49ers will need their passports. San Francisco will also be the home team for a game played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City in December.
Finally, the NFL is headed to France for the first time, with the New Orleans Saints hosting the league’s first game ever in Paris.
NFL holiday games in 2026
As we have seen in recent years, the NFL is finding ways to become part of your holiday schedule.
Thanksgiving
Both the Cowboys and the Lions will host their traditional afternoon games on Thanksgiving Day. In addition, there will be a primetime game on Thanksgiving Night. Furthermore, there will be a game played on Black Friday, at least one game that is. According to reports the league is considering the possibility of having a Black Friday doubleheader.
In addition, the league is also “actively looking” at a game on Thanksgiving Eve, a popular night at your local watering hole when you are back home with the family.
Christmas
Once again, the Christmas Day tripleheader is back, with the first two games on Netflix while the prime-time game will be broadcast by FOX.
We’ve got some thoughts on what games we want to see on the holiday for you as well.
Games to circle
While we do not know when these games will be played, we know they will be circled on the calendar once the dates and times are announced.
Denver Broncos at New England Patriots
An. AFC Championship Game rematch, only this time we can expect Bo Nix will be part of the proceedings.
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks
These two teams have given us some epic games recently, particularly the games in Seattle.
Whether it is in Baltimore or in Pittsburgh, he first meeting between these two teams will be the first time the AFC North rivals meet without Mike Tomlin or John Harbaugh on the sidelines in almost two decades.
It is always fun when these historic rivals get together, but the three games between these two teams are going to be big ones in 2026, particularly after their three meetings a year ago.
And how Chicago came back to win their two games at Soldier Field, first in the regular season and then in the playoffs.
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks
A potential NFC Championship Game preview, and our favorite for the NFL Kickoff Game this year.
