When is the First Regular Season NFL Game in 2026?

The first regular-season NFL game of 2026 will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

2026 NFL Week 1 Schedule Highlights


For the first time in recent years, the NFL has shifted its traditional Thursday night kickoff to a Wednesday to accommodate broadcast needs and a historic international game.

Key Opening Games:

NFL Kickoff Game

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Seattle Seahawks vs New England Patriots

Lumen Field, Seattle

8:20 PM ET on NBC

Historic Australia Game

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Los Angeles Rams vs San Francisco 49ers

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia

Broadcast on Netflix (first-ever NFL game in Australia)

Main Week 1 Slate

The remaining 14 games will take place on Sunday, September 13 and Monday, September 14.

This marks a unique start to the 2026 NFL season, featuring both a Wednesday night kickoff and the league’s first regular-season game in Australia.

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