The 2026 NFL season is shaping up to be one for the history books, and it all kicks off with a blockbuster Super Bowl rematch. For the first time since 2016, the defending champions will face the team they beat in the big game to open the season. The Seattle Seahawks, fresh off their Super Bowl 60 victory over the New England Patriots, will host the Patriots on Wednesday, September 9th—a rare midweek start that hasn't happened since 2012.
But the excitement doesn't stop there. The NFL is going global in a big way, with a record nine international games scheduled across four continents and seven countries. For the first time, the league will touch down in Australia and France, bringing the gridiron action to new fans around the world. Just one day after the season opener, the Los Angeles Rams will "host" the San Francisco 49ers at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, with an expected crowd of 100,000 fans. That game will be streamed exclusively on Netflix, marking another step in the NFL's push into digital broadcasting.
The schedule also features some major milestones. The Buffalo Bills will finally open their new home at Highmark Stadium on Thursday, September 17th, hosting the Detroit Lions in a game that promises to be an emotional and electric atmosphere. Thanksgiving week gets a boost with a bumper five-game slate, and Christmas Day will again feature a triple-header for fans to enjoy.
One of the biggest storylines to watch is the return of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker to Seattle. After his historic performance—becoming the first running back to win the award since 1998 and the first Super Bowl MVP to immediately join a new team since 2003—Walker now suits up for the Kansas City Chiefs. He'll make his much-anticipated return to Lumen Field on October 25th, a game that is sure to be packed with emotion and intensity.
Whether you're planning your game-day gear for the opener or looking ahead to those international matchups, this season is packed with can't-miss moments. Get ready for a year of football that truly spans the globe.