Mark your calendars, football fans—the 2026 NFL schedule is officially dropping on Thursday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET. After some whispers of a possible delay, the league has confirmed that the full 272-game slate will be unveiled right on time, giving us all something to look forward to as we gear up for another season of gridiron action.

While we're still waiting for the complete lineup, the NFL has already teased a few can't-miss matchups that are sure to get you excited. Let's break down what we know so far.

First up, the season opener is set to make history. The Seattle Seahawks will host a game on Wednesday, September 9—marking only the second time in 75 years that the NFL has kicked off its season on a weekday other than Thursday. Their opponent is still TBD, but the list of possibilities includes the Cardinals, Cowboys, Giants, Bears, Chiefs, Chargers, or Patriots. However, don't expect to see Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in that slot; owner Clark Hunt has hinted that the league will likely avoid scheduling Kansas City due to uncertainty around Mahomes' availability for that early date. The 49ers and Rams are also out of the running, as they'll be busy with a special international trip.

Speaking of international games, the NFL is heading Down Under for the very first time. The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will face off at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. Due to the 14-hour time difference, this game will technically kick off at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, which translates to an 8:35 p.m. ET start on Thursday night for U.S. viewers. It's a unique twist that adds an extra layer of excitement to the season's opening week.

But the global tour doesn't stop there. During the NFL Draft, the league revealed that the Dallas Cowboys will travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. This game is set for Sunday, September 27, at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS—yes, you read that right, it's a CBS broadcast. The matchup will be held at Rio's legendary Maracanã Stadium, marking the NFL's first-ever game in the city. Previous Brazilian games were hosted in São Paulo, so this is a historic step for the league's international expansion.

As we count down to May 14, the buzz is building. Whether you're planning your game-day wardrobe or just dreaming of football season, this year's schedule promises plenty of drama, history, and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for the full release—and get ready to suit up in style.