The 2026 NFL season is set to launch on Wednesday with a Super Bowl rematch as the Seattle Seahawks, fresh from raising their championship banner, take on the New England Patriots. This marks the league's first Wednesday opening game since 2012, clearing the way for an ambitious international schedule.
This season will feature a record nine international fixtures across four continents, spanning seven nations and eight venues. The global tour begins on Friday in Australia, with the San Francisco 49ers playing the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Subsequent games are scheduled for Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Madrid, Munich, and Mexico City.
Offseason activity has seen significant roster changes across the league. The Los Angeles Rams, already considered title favorites, bolstered their squad by trading for Myles Garrett and welcoming Aaron Donald back from a brief retirement. The New England Patriots, who made a surprising run to the Super Bowl last year, added offensive firepower by acquiring wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles.
While the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks largely return intact, their title defense faces questions in the backfield following the departure of Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III to Kansas City. The Kansas City Chiefs, meanwhile, are awaiting the return of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who sustained an ACL tear last December. Mahomes did not play in preseason games but is expected to be ready for their September 14 opener.
The league also saw a record-tying 10 franchises appoint new head coaches. Among these, Jesse Minter takes the helm for the Baltimore Ravens, and Joe Brady was promoted to head coach for the Buffalo Bills. In Pittsburgh, 42-year-old four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers returns for his 22nd season, reuniting with new head coach Mike McCarthy, with whom he won a Super Bowl in 2011.