NFL 2026 Schedule Out Thursday, 9 Games Abroad

The NFL will play 9 games outside the US in 2026, up from last year's total. This includes new cities like Rio de Janeiro and Paris.
By Newsroom | Sports, Football |

THE LEAGUE SET TO UNVEIL FULL SLATE THURSDAY

The National Football League will release its complete regular-season schedule on Thursday, May 14, 2026. This annual unveiling dictates the narrative for the upcoming season, laying out matchups, prime-time fixtures, holiday games, and the league's increasingly ambitious international footprint.

This year's release includes a notable expansion of games played outside the United States. The league has confirmed nine regular-season games will be held abroad in 2026.

International Games Highlighted

The global slate features new and returning markets:

  • London, U.K.: Three games, with two at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and one at Wembley Stadium.

  • Madrid, Spain: A game at the Bernabéu Stadium.

  • Melbourne, Australia: The San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This game marks the earliest international kickoff relative to US time zones.

  • Mexico City, Mexico: A matchup at Estadio Banorte.

  • Munich, Germany: A game at FC Bayern Munich Stadium.

  • Paris, France: A new market with a game at Stade de France.

  • Rio De Janeiro, Brazil: Another new entry, featuring the Baltimore Ravens against the Dallas Cowboys at the Maracanã Stadium.

Key Season Openers

While the full schedule remains under wraps, certain marquee events have surfaced:

  • The defending Super Bowl LX champion Seattle Seahawks are slated to host the NFL Kickoff Game on September 9, 2026.

  • The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will face each other in Week 1 in Melbourne, Australia.

ANTICIPATION BUILDS AMIDST MINOR LEAKED DETAILS

Weeks Leading to Release

The NFL has a pattern of pre-announcing select games in the days leading up to the full schedule drop. This strategy builds anticipation, revealing opening night games, international matchups, holiday contests, and exclusive streaming fixtures.

Past Precedents

Last season's schedule, for example, saw the Super Bowl LIX rematch between Philadelphia and Kansas City occur in Week 2. The league’s vice president of broadcast planning, Mike North, had previously indicated that the schedule release might occur the week of May 18, suggesting a process that awaits final league approval.

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Schedule Release Logistics

The official schedule will be available on NFL.com and the NFL app, detailing every team's opponents, venues, and kickoff times. Media outlets and official league channels are expected to provide extensive post-release coverage, including analysis of matchups, betting odds, and ticket sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the NFL release the full 2026 regular-season schedule?
The National Football League will release its complete 2026 regular-season schedule on Thursday, May 14, 2026. This release includes all matchups, prime-time games, and holiday contests.
Q: How many NFL games will be played outside the United States in 2026?
The NFL has confirmed that nine regular-season games will be played abroad in 2026. This is an increase from previous years and includes new locations.
Q: Which cities will host NFL international games in 2026?
International games in 2026 will be held in London (3 games), Madrid, Melbourne, Mexico City, Munich, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro. This marks the first NFL game in Rio de Janeiro.
Q: Which teams are confirmed to play in the NFL's international games in 2026?
The San Francisco 49ers will play the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. The Baltimore Ravens will face the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Q: Who will play in the NFL Kickoff Game on September 9, 2026?
The defending Super Bowl LX champion Seattle Seahawks are scheduled to host the NFL Kickoff Game on September 9, 2026. The opponent for this game will be revealed with the full schedule.