The NFL officially releases its full 2026 regular season schedule this Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, bringing an end to months of anticipation over kickoff times, prime-time slots, and bye weeks. You can catch the live announcement on NFL Network, ESPN2, the ESPN App, and NFL+.
While some dates have already leaked through international game announcements and other reveals, what's really catching our attention this year is the incredible lineup of interconference matchups. AFC playoff hopefuls are set to clash with NFC contenders in what promises to be a season filled with marquee quarterback duels, coaching debuts, and historic international venues.
From London to Madrid to Mexico City, here are the ten best AFC vs. NFC games on the 2026 NFL calendar, counting down from 10 to 1.
10. Week 5: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday, Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m. ET – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London)
Two teams with playoff aspirations that fell short last season meet in London. Liam Coen turned Jacksonville from a 4-13 team into a 13-4 contender in his first year, but Trevor Lawrence's two costly interceptions in a Wild Card loss to Buffalo ended their run. The Eagles, meanwhile, are still smarting from their Super Bowl LX loss to Seattle. Philadelphia's new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion will be in his fifth game on the job. The Eagles beat the Jaguars 24-18 in London back in 2018, also at a Sunday morning kickoff. Jacksonville is 0-2 in London since that game.
9. Week 9: Atlanta Falcons vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday, Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m. ET – Bernabéu Stadium (Madrid)
Kevin Stefanski makes his international debut as Falcons head coach after Atlanta fired Raheem Morris in January. The two-time AP Coach of the Year inherits Bijan Robinson, fresh off a 2,298-yard All-Pro season, along with playmakers Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Joe Burrow has faced Atlanta exactly once in his career—a 481-yard performance in 2022. This is also Robinson's first game against Cincinnati. The Bengals last played internationally in 2019. Adding to the storyline, Falcons president of football operations Matt Ryan, the former quarterback, faces his old division rival in his new front-office role.
8. Week 11: Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, Nov. 22, 8:20 p.m. ET – Estadio Banorte (Mexico City)
The only international game in prime time, airing on NBC. Minnesota arrives without a settled starting quarterback after signing Kyler Murray to compete with second-year passer J.J. McCarthy. Tight end George Kittle plays his fourth international game and his second in Mexico, where he caught two touchdowns the last time the 49ers visited. This matchup features two teams with Super Bowl aspirations and plenty of offensive firepower.