The NFL unveiled its 2026 regular season schedule on May 14, 2026, setting a new league record with nine international games played across seven countries. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] The season will kick off on Wednesday, September 9, when the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots in a rematch of last season’s title game. [1, 2, 3, 5]
An unprecedented regular season game in Australia will follow on September 10, with the Los Angeles Rams facing the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. [1, 3, 4, 5] In total, the international contests will span Australia, Brazil, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain. [3, 4, 5]
In addition to the overseas matchups, Thanksgiving week will feature a record five games, including the NFL’s first-ever Thanksgiving Eve game on November 25, when the Rams will host the Green Bay Packers. [1] The full NFL 2026 schedule includes 272 games over an 18-week period, capped by a rare tripleheader on Christmas Day. [1, 5]
Teams facing the easiest schedules based on their opponents’ 2025 records are the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and Cincinnati Bengals. Conversely, the Chicago Bears have the toughest slate, with opponents posting a combined winning percentage of .550 last season. [2, 6]
The Seahawks’ opening game on a Wednesday instead of the traditional Thursday aims to accommodate the expanded international schedule. [1, 2, 3] However, several teams, including the 49ers, have voiced concerns about travel fatigue and potential competitive disadvantages tied to long-distance trips abroad. Kyle Shanahan, head coach of San Francisco, said, "I don’t see any pro. It’s cool for the league to play globally. I think that’s awesome. But as far as the team doing it, no, there’s not much benefit." [4]
NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly said the 2026 schedule marked "our most expansive and ambitious international slate yet," adding it brings "fans internationally closer to the game than ever before" with games in "some of the most iconic sporting venues in the world." [4]
The season opener between the Seahawks and Patriots is set for September 9, followed by the landmark Australian game on September 10. The Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Day tripleheader are key highlights of the schedule.
