The first NFL game of the 2026 preseason is the annual Hall of Fame Game, which kicks off tonight, Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET. The first game of the 2026 regular season takes place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 8:20 PM ET.
2026 NFL Season Opening Details
Preseason Opener: The Carolina Panthers face the Arizona Cardinals at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. You can watch it live on NBC or stream it via Peacock.
Regular Season Opener: In a unique scheduling twist, the regular season kicks off on a Wednesday rather than a Thursday. The reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will host the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl LX rematch.
Thursday Night International Twist: The regular season opener was moved to Wednesday because the league is hosting its first-ever regular season game in Melbourne, Australia (the San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams) on Thursday, September 10.
The home team Atlanta Falcons kick off their pre-season with a home game against the Denver Broncos on Saturday, August 14th.
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