The NFL is back: the 2026 season kicks off with champion Seattle and the league's first-ever game in Australia

The wait is finally over for American football fans, as the NFL returns for another season. The 2026 campaign is about to begin, and it opens with a mix of history, drama and a familiar rivalry. After months of anticipation, the biggest league in American sports is ready to take center stage once again. For millions of fans, the start of the season is one of the most exciting moments of the year.

The season officially kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. As tradition dictates, the reigning champions have the honor of opening the campaign at home. This year that means the Seattle Seahawks, who will host the New England Patriots in prime time, at 8:20 p.m. Eastern on NBC. It is a marquee matchup to set the tone for the months ahead.

The opening game carries extra meaning, as it is a rematch of the previous Super Bowl. Last season, the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX to be crowned champions. That victory was historic for the franchise, as it delivered the first Lombardi Trophy in Seahawks history. Opening the new season against the same opponent adds a compelling storyline right from the start.

A historic trip to Australia

The very first week of the season also delivers a genuinely historic moment. On Thursday, September 10, the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams will face off in Melbourne, Australia. It marks the first time the NFL has ever staged a regular-season game on Australian soil. The contest is scheduled for 8:35 p.m. Eastern and will be streamed on Netflix.

This landmark game is part of the NFL's broader strategy to expand its global reach. In recent years, the league has increasingly taken regular-season games abroad, from London to Germany and beyond. Bringing the sport to Australia for the first time represents another significant step in that international push. The goal is to grow the fan base and turn American football into a truly worldwide product.

Beyond the opener and the Australian showcase, the first week is packed with attractive matchups. On Sunday, September 13, the Dallas Cowboys visit the New York Giants in a prime-time clash between two storied franchises. The following night, Monday, September 14, sees the Denver Broncos travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs. These early games offer an immediate glimpse of the contenders.

The 2026 NFL season kicks off on September 9 with champion Seattle hosting New England, a rematch of Super Bowl LX.

The contenders

As every season begins, attention quickly turns to who might lift the trophy at the end. According to preseason previews, the Los Angeles Rams are among the early favorites to reach the next Super Bowl. They are not alone, however, in a field crowded with talented teams. Franchises such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers are all expected to be in the mix.

The American Football Conference, in particular, looks fiercely competitive once again. Perennial powerhouses such as the Buffalo Bills, the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs are all set to battle for playoff positioning. In a league defined by its balance, the margin between the top contenders is often razor thin. A single injury or a hot streak can completely reshape the picture.

For the Seahawks, the challenge is now different and arguably even harder. Winning a title is difficult, but repeating as champions in the modern NFL is a rare feat. The league is built around parity, with the schedule and the draft designed to keep teams closely matched. Seattle will therefore have a target on its back as every opponent aims to topple the reigning champions.

What to watch

There is no shortage of storylines to follow as the season unfolds. Beyond the title race, fans will be watching to see whether the Seahawks can defend their crown and whether the Rams can live up to their billing as favorites. Even the point spreads hint at the drama, with previews noting that the Los Angeles Chargers open as heavy favorites over the Arizona Cardinals, reportedly the largest opening-week spread in years. Every week promises fresh surprises.

Ultimately, the appeal of the NFL lies in its unpredictability and its big moments. A tense single-elimination playoff format means that any team catching fire at the right time can make a deep run. From the season opener in Seattle to the historic game in Australia, the 2026 campaign has already promised plenty of excitement. With the first whistle on September 9, the long and grueling chase for the Lombardi Trophy begins all over again.