League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

2026 NFL regular season starts September 9 with Seahawks hosting Patriots

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 10:30 PM

Last updated Aug 13, 2026

2026 NFL regular season starts September 9 with Seahawks hosting Patriots

Summary

The 2026 NFL regular season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with the Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots at Lumen Field. This opening night marks a departure from the traditional Thursday start, allowing for an internationally focused opening week. Following the season opener, the San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams in Australia on September 10. The first week's schedule continues through September 14, featuring several matchups including the Chicago Bears against the Carolina Panthers and the Dallas Cowboys versus the New York Giants.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Seahawks host Patriots on September 9, 2026, at 8:20 p.m. ET.
•First game of the season to be broadcasted on NBC Sports.
•San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams play in Australia on September 10.
•Full Week 1 schedule includes multiple matchups on September 13 and 14.

Latest Updates

10:30 PMYahoo Sports — When Does the 2026 NFL Regular Season Start? Date, Schedule, Times, and More for Season Opener and Week 1

What they're saying

"
The 2026 NFL season is almost here, and the wait is nearly over. After the Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, the offseason delivered plenty of drama.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Green Bay Packers Los Angeles Rams New England Patriots New Orleans Saints New York Jets San Francisco 49ers Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons NFL Football