NFL releases 2026 schedule featuring Seahawks opener and Australia trip
The National Football League has unveiled its full 2026 schedule, with the defending champion Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots on Wednesday, 9 September to kick off a season featuring a record nine international fixtures.
The highly anticipated opening matchup is a direct rematch of Super Bowl LX.
The only previous occasion the league commenced on a Wednesday was in 2012, aiming to avoid a scheduling clash with political events.
Defending titleholders possess an excellent track record in season openers, boasting a 16-5 win rate over the past two decades.
Rams face 49ers in historic Australia fixture
This unusual midweek start is specifically designed to accommodate the sport’s first ever regular-season match in Melbourne, Australia.
The Los Angeles Rams will play the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, 10 September.
Due to the extreme time difference, the prime-time American broadcast means the historic clash will actually kick off on Friday morning local time.
It forms part of a massive global expansion for the sport, with a record nine matches taking place across four continents and seven countries during the upcoming campaign.
Harbaugh returns as Giants face Cowboys
The first Sunday Night Football showcase features John Harbaugh making his highly anticipated managerial debut for the New York Giants.
The veteran head coach faces a fierce NFC East rivalry game against the Dallas Cowboys.
That same Texan franchise will later host the Philadelphia Eagles in a marquee Thanksgiving showdown.
Elsewhere, the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs will clash in the first Monday Night Football broadcast on 14 September.
Testing travel logistics for NFL franchises
San Francisco face a significant logistical challenge with their groundbreaking Australian expedition.
The Californian franchise plans to spend a full week in Melbourne to acclimate, while their divisional rivals plan a much shorter visit.
Pundits predict the NFC West powerhouse will overcome the severe jet lag to secure a strong start to their campaign.
Meanwhile, the Giants have been handed a favourable early schedule that could ease their new boss into his high-pressure tenure.