When is the NFL schedule release? Date, time, opponents for 2026
Nick BrinkerhoffSave the date.
The NFL schedule release is officially just around the corner after the league announced the date when they will reveal all the future dates for the 2026 season. It marks the biggest day left on the league's offseason calendar and shows that the return to football is just around the corner.
Thursday, May 14, has been set as the release date for the 2026 NFL schedule, the league has confirmed.
It will be released in its entirety on that date, but leaks are certain to begin trickling out in advance. Some games have already been announced as part of the expanded international slate, but fans can will soon be able to start booking domestic trips and making plans for kickoff.
There was some concern that the announcement could be delayed, but that is no longer the case.
Here's what to know about the NFL schedule release in 2026.
When is the NFL schedule release 2026?
The NFL schedule is set to be released on Thursday, May 14 at 8 p.m. ET.
In the meantime, leaks will trickle out in the days ahead, especially with an expanded international slate and some holiday games on the docket.
The league will reveal the full 2026 international schedule at 9 a.m. ET on the Wednesday, May 13, "Good Morning Football" broadcast on NFL Network. This year's schedule includes a record nine international contests, with games being added in Australia and Paris, as well as a return to Mexico City for the first time since 2022.
There was also the elimination of Monday night doubleheaders, following Disney's acquisition of NFL Network. More games are set for streaming in 2026, along with other changes that will be revealed during the upcoming release.
In other words, the Wednesday night opening game in Seattle might not be the only adjustment fans will need to make this season.
What time is the NFL schedule release in 2026?
The NFL schedule release is set for 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 14.
When does the NFL regular season start in 2026?
The 2026 NFL regular season will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Lumen Field in Seattle. Continuing tradition, the Super Bowl champions will kick off the season as the Seahawks get one last moment in the spotlight before turning the page to 2026.
While the kickoff game is typically set for the Thursday night after Labor Day, this season's was moved to Wednesday to accommodate a new international game. The Los Angeles Rams will host the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, Sept. 10, in the league's first-ever Australia game.
That means that fans can expect games to take place on Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Monday in Week 1.
NFL schedule: Week 1
Two games have already been confirmed for Week 1, which kicks off with the Super Bowl champion Seahawks and continues in Australia, 24 hours later:
- Wednesday, Sept. 9: Seattle Seahawks vs. TBA (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
- Thursday, Sept. 10: Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers in Australia (8:35 p.m. ET, TBA)
NFL international schedule 2026
There are nine games on the NFL's international schedule for 2026. According to the league's announcement, the 2026 international schedule will be revealed at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13 on the "Good Morning Football" show on NFL Network.
Here's a look at where they will be played and the participants that have been announced:
Australia game
- Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers | Melbourne Cricket Ground | Melbourne
Brazil game
- Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens | Maracaña Stadium | Rio de Janeiro
France game
- New Orleans Saints vs. TBA | Stade de France | Paris
Germany game
- Detroit Lions vs. TBA | Allianz Arena | Munich
Mexico game
- San Francisco 49ers vs. TBA | Estadio Banorte | Mexico City
Spain game
- Atlanta Falcons vs. TBA | Bernabéu | Madrid
United Kingdom games
- Washington Commanders vs. TBA | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | London
- Jacksonville Jaguars vs. TBA | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | London
- Jacksonville Jaguars vs. TBA | Wembley Stadium | London
NFL opponents by team
Opponents for all 32 teams have already been decided. For a look at every opponent for every team in the NFL, click here.