When Does the 2026 NFL Regular Season Start? Week 1 Schedule

The 2026 NFL regular season kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 9, when the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots at 8:20 p.m. ET. Week 1 spans four days and includes the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia. Here's the complete schedule, plus what to know about the season opener. When Does the 2026 NFL Season Start? The season begins with the Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots at Lumen Field on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The matchup is a rematch of Super Bowl LX, when Seattle claimed the second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history. It also marks the NFL's first Wednesday season opener since 2012, one night before the league stages its first regular-season game in Australia. 2026 NFL Week 1 Schedule Wednesday, Sept. 9 Thursday, Sept. 10 Sunday, Sept. 13 Monday, Sept. 14 Check the NFL schedule for updates throughout the season. FOX will carry six regional games Sunday, Sept. 13. Fans can watch the matchup available in their market on their local FOX station or stream it live on FOX One. Regional availability and other restrictions may apply. When Was the 2026 NFL Schedule Released? Several marquee Week 1 matchups, including the season opener, were announced before the full schedule release. The NFL unveiled all 272 regular-season games Thursday, May 14. How Is the NFL Schedule Determined? The NFL uses a rotating formula to build each team's 17-game schedule. Here's how the matchups are determined: The 2026 NFL regular season begins Wednesday, Sept. 9, when the defending champion Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots at 8:20 p.m. ET. The preseason opened with the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6, followed by the first full preseason slate from Aug. 13-16. Here is the complete Week 1 schedule and what to know about the season opener.