Commanders schedule 2026: Washington's opponents ahead of NFL's official release

The Washington Commanders became the darlings of NFL schedule-makers heading into the 2025 season.

A year earlier, they were the feel-good, surprise story of the league; rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels dazzled and head coach Dan Quinn led the team to the NFC title game in his first season at the helm.

But the fuzzy feelings evaporated once the games started. Washington lacked the same magic as the prior season and slogged through a slate of standalone and primetime games, resulting in a 5-12 record. Daniels missed nine games due to knee and elbow injuries.

They'll look to right the ship in 2026 with a schedule that features the AFC South and NFC West. Here's what to know about the Commanders' opponents for 2026 with the NFL schedule release just around the corner.

Commanders 2026 home opponents

• Dallas Cowboys
• New York Giants
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Atlanta Falcons
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Houston Texans
• Indianapolis Colts
• Los Angeles Rams
• Seattle Seahawks

Commanders 2026 away opponents

• Dallas Cowboys
• New York Giants
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Arizona Cardinals
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Minnesota Vikings
• San Francisco 49ers
• Tennessee Titans

Commanders international game in 2026

• Washington Commanders vs. TBA | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | London

When is the 2026 NFL schedule release?

The NFL schedule is set to be released in May. The NFL has turned the schedule release into a marquee offseason event. On schedule release day, the league announces the 18-week slate of matchups for all 32 teams.

An exact date has not been announced, but if the last few years are any indication, it should be expected around May 12-14. There will surely be leaks that trickle out in the days ahead.