When does the 2026 NFL schedule come out? Release date, time, TV channel to watch game announcement

TL;DR

The 2026 NFL schedule will be released this week, revealing game dates and details on nine international games. The season will kick off with the Seahawks defending their title on September 10 in Seattle.

Key points

2026 NFL schedule release is imminent
First game features 49ers vs. Rams in Melbourne
Seahawks will start their title defense
Record nine international games planned for 2026

Mentioned in this story

MelbourneSeattle

San Francisco 49ersLos Angeles RamsSeattle Seahawks

When does the 2026 NFL schedule come out? Release date, time, TV channel to watch game announcement originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Advance planners, rejoice. The 2026 NFL schedule release is just about here.

While teams have known their opponents for this year since the end of the 2025 regular season, the question of how all the pieces of the puzzle fit into the calendar will finally be answered this week.

Some game dates already have been revealed, including details on the record nine international games on the docket in 2026. The first of those is 49ers vs. Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday, Sept. 10, the slot normally reserved for the reigning Super Bowl champion to open at home. That means the regular season will begin on Wednesday evening in Seattle with the Seahawks starting their title defense.

Where will the schedule will go from there? The answers are coming soon for those waiting to lock down home-game tailgate plans or sketch out weekend road trips.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 NFL schedule release.