The 2026 NFL schedule will soon be unveiled. Here's what we already know

May 3, 2026, 5:15 p.m. ETThe NFL will release its full 2026 schedule in mid-May.The defending champion Seattle Seahawks will open the season at home on Wednesday, September 9.A record nine international games are scheduled for the 2026 season, including the first-ever game in Australia.Clear your schedule – the NFL schedule release is coming.While NFL regular-season games are still months away, fans can begin planning their fall travel in due time when the NFL schedule is released in May.While the remainder of the 2026 NFL schedule will be released soon, a number of games have already been announced, mainly across borders.The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams are set to bring American football to Australia, the first game to be played in the country. Melbourne will host the game in Week 1, getting the international slate underway early.There are eight international games in addition to the Week 1 NFC West matchup "Down Under" – but that's not all we know about the schedule this upcoming season as we await official word.Here's what else we already know about the NFL schedule ahead of its official release:When does the NFL season start?The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will open the