The Seattle Seahawks will host the 2026 NFL Kickoff Game on… Wednesday, September 9. The game will begin at 8:20 PM ET on NBC.
https://x.com/NFL/status/2036880838953201975?s=20
Because of the NFL’s first-ever game in Australia between the 49ers and Rams taking the typical Thursday kickoff slot, the defending champs get things started a day early. That game is at 8:35 PM ET on September 10.
This has happened in recent years. The 2012 NFL season actually kicked off on Wednesday, when the Giants faced the Cowboys in a game that was moved to avoid conflicting with President Obama’s speech during the Democratic National Convention that Thursday.
The seven possible opponents for Seattle in the 2026 NFL season opener are: Bears, Cardinals, Chargers, Chiefs, Cowboys, Giants, and Patriots.
The full 2026 NFL schedule is fully expected to be released in May.