The countdown is officially on for NFL fans everywhere. The full 2026 NFL schedule drops Thursday night, unveiling all 272 games across an 18-week season that promises excitement from kickoff to the final whistle.
Mark your calendars for September 9, when the Seattle Seahawks kick off the season at home, raising their Super Bowl banner in a historic Wednesday night opener. This marks only the second time the NFL has launched on a Wednesday—the first being the Giants vs. Cowboys showdown back in 2012.
This year, the league is going global in a big way. A record nine international games are set across four continents, starting with the San Francisco 49ers facing the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on September 10. It's a massive moment for footy fans Down Under.
Europe gets plenty of love too. The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the New Orleans Saints in Paris on October 25—the NFL's first-ever regular-season game in France. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens will clash in Rio de Janeiro in Week 3, bringing the gridiron to South America's biggest city.
Sixteen of the league's 32 teams will play at least one game outside the U.S., with the 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars doubling down at two international matchups each. San Francisco also heads to Mexico City in Week 11 to face the Vikings, while the Jaguars play back-to-back London games in Weeks 5 and 6 against the Eagles and Texans. The Colts and Commanders will also battle in London in Week 4.
Other international stops include the Bengals vs. Falcons in Madrid (Week 8) and the Patriots vs. Lions in Munich (Week 9).
Back stateside, the schedule is packed with prime-time gems. The Cowboys and Giants light up the first Sunday night game, while the Broncos and Chiefs headline the first Monday night showdown. Thanksgiving week brings even more tradition: the Packers and Rams play on Thanksgiving Eve, and the Lions-Bears and Eagles-Cowboys will be the main courses on Thanksgiving Day.
Whether you're planning your game-day wardrobe or just counting down the days, this season is shaping up to be one for the books. Gear up, stay tuned, and get ready for the gridiron action to begin.