The Los Angeles Chargers have officially unveiled their 2026 preseason schedule, giving fans an early glimpse of the action to come before the regular season kicks off. Following the release of their full regular-season slate, the team's three-game preseason lineup is now set, offering a mix of home and away matchups that promise to build excitement for the months ahead.
The Chargers will open their preseason campaign on the road, traveling to Houston to face the Texans on Thursday, August 13th, with kickoff scheduled for 5:00 p.m. PT. This early test against an AFC South opponent will set the stage for what’s to come, as players begin to shake off the rust and compete for roster spots.
From there, the Bolts return to the familiar confines of SoFi Stadium for two consecutive home games. First, they’ll host the San Francisco 49ers on August 20th, followed by a matchup against their cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, on August 27th. Both home contests are slated for 7:00 p.m. PT kickoffs, giving fans prime-time opportunities to see their team in action.
It’s worth noting that the Chargers faced both the Rams and 49ers during last year’s preseason, falling short in each contest. They dropped a 30-23 decision to San Francisco and a narrow 23-22 loss to the Rams. While these games may not count in the standings, they carry significant weight for the players battling for a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Sure, preseason games are often dismissed as meaningless in the grand scheme of the NFL season. But for the guys on the bubble—the undrafted free agents, the late-round picks, and the veterans fighting to prove they still belong—every snap matters. That’s what makes these matchups so compelling. There’s a raw intensity to watching players leave it all on the field, knowing their dreams hang in the balance.
And let’s be honest: who doesn’t love seeing a “W” on the schedule, even if it’s just preseason? It’s a small taste of victory that fuels the optimism for what’s to come. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just gearing up for the season with some fresh Chargers gear, these games are the perfect appetizer for the main course ahead. Football is back, and we couldn’t be more ready.