NFL 2026 Week 1 Matchday Guide: Complete Schedule, Key Fixtures & How to Watch
The 2026 NFL season kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 9 with a blockbuster Super Bowl rematch and a record-breaking international slate. This Match Guide breaks down every key fixture, star watch, and viewing option for the opening week. Week 1 at a Glance Season Opener: Wednesday, Sept. 9 — a rare midweek kickoff International Games: 9 scheduled for 2026, starting with Australia in Week 1 Prime-Time Games: 4 standalone games across Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, and Monday New Head Coaches: 10 teams open with fresh leadership Wednesday, Sept. 9 — NFL Kickoff Game New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks Time: 8:20 p.m. ET TV: NBC, Peacock Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle Seven months after defeating the Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl 60, the Seahawks begin their title defense against the very team they dethroned. Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba return to lead Seattle’s offense, though the backfield has a Super Bowl MVP-sized hole after Kenneth Walker III’s departure. T...