The 2026 NFL schedule will be released in May, allowing fans to plan their fall travel. Notably, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will play the first NFL game in Australia during Week 1.
Key points
2026 NFL schedule release is in May
First NFL game in Australia will feature 49ers and Rams
Game will be hosted in Melbourne
Fans can plan fall travel around the schedule
Mentioned in this story
AustraliaMelbourne
San Francisco 49ersLos Angeles RamsNFL
Clear your schedule β the NFL schedule release is coming.
While NFL regular-season games are still months away, fans can begin planning their fall travel in due time when the NFL schedule is released in May.
While the remainder of the 2026 NFL schedule will be released soon, a number of games have already been announced, mainly across borders.
There are eight international games in addition to the Week 1 NFC West matchup "Down Under" β but that's not all we know about the schedule this upcoming season as we await official word.
Here's what else we already know about the NFL schedule ahead of its official release:
New York Jets β Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Q&A
When will the 2026 NFL schedule be released?
The 2026 NFL schedule is set to be released in May.
Which teams are playing the first NFL game in Australia?
The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will play the first NFL game in Australia.
Where in Australia will the NFL game take place?
The NFL game will take place in Melbourne, Australia.
What other games are included in the 2026 NFL schedule?
While many games are yet to be announced, several have already been confirmed, primarily international matchups.
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The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will open the 2026 NFL season and defend their home turf on Wednesday, Sept. 9, with their opponent TBA.
It's customary for the defending Super Bowl champs to open the season β what isn't is the fact that the Seahawks are set to take the field on a Wednesday rather than a Thursday.
The NFL is leaving some room for an international game the following day.
NFL international games, schedule in 2026
The league is set to play a record nine international games in 2026. The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams are set to play the first game in Australia, taking place in Week 1, on Thursday, Sept. 10.
A number of other games on international soil fill out the remaining eight, with most yet to be solidified. They are:
Australia game
Week 1 (Sept. 10): Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers | Melbourne Cricket Ground | Melbourne
Of course, opponents for all 32 teams have already been decided, as is the way the NFL schedule is formulated. For a look at every opponent for every team in the NFL, click here.
When is the 2026 NFL schedule release?
Date: Between May 12 and May 14
The NFL is set to release its 2026 schedule between May 12 and May 14, with the date TBD. The NFL takes its schedule release up until the last minute, but the date is sure to come mid-May, per usual.