The NFL is back, and the 2026 schedule release has football fans everywhere ready to lace up their cleats and mark their calendars. With the season kicking off in September, there's no shortage of excitement—especially for the Seattle Seahawks, who are aiming to defend their Super Bowl title after a dominant 2026 campaign led by Sam Darnold. But as any die-hard fan knows, the road to repeat is never easy in this grueling league.
This year's schedule brings something extra special, as Commissioner Roger Goodell continues to push the game's global reach. For the first time ever, an NFL regular-season game will be played in Australia—and it's a massive NFC West showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne. But that's just the start of the international tour. The league is also heading to Brazil (Ravens vs. Cowboys), London (Colts vs. Commanders, Eagles vs. Jaguars, and Texans vs. Jaguars), France (Steelers vs. Saints), and Spain (Bengals vs. Falcons). It's a true world tour of football, and fans around the globe are ready to cheer.
Of course, the NFL is never short on star power. This season marks the return of several elite players who missed time last year due to devastating injuries, including Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons, and Malik Nabers. Their comebacks add even more intrigue to an already stacked lineup of talent.
If you're looking for the team that will be in the spotlight most often, look no further than the Philadelphia Eagles. Nick Sirianni's squad leads the league in standalone games, featuring five primetime matchups and eight total national broadcasts. But they're not alone in the national spotlight—the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, and Los Angeles Rams are all set for seven high-profile games. All three teams made the playoffs last season and are poised to contend again in 2026.
Whether you're gearing up for game day with your favorite jersey or just excited to see how the season unfolds, the 2026 NFL schedule has something for everyone. Get ready for another unforgettable year of football.