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When is NFL Kickoff 2026?
NFL Kickoff 2026 is on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 — that's 40 days (5 weeks) from today.
Below you'll find the exact date, the day of the week, a live countdown, and everything you need to plan ahead — plus a free iPhone widget that keeps NFL Kickoff on your home screen.
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NFL Kickoff
Outside
Free iPhone app with home screen widgets. Used by 300k+ people.
NFL Kickoff 2026 Dates & Schedule
| Date | Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 8:20 p.m. ET (5:20 p.m. PT) |
|---|---|
| Status | Confirmed |
| Day of week | Wednesday |
| Countdown | 40 days (5 weeks) |
| Time zone | Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4); Seattle local time is Pacific Daylight Time (UTC−7) |
| Venue | Lumen Field |
| Location | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Matchup | New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks |
| Schedule | The Kickoff Game opens Week 1 on September 9. Week 1 continues with 49ers at Rams on September 10, followed by the Sunday and Monday slates on September 13–14. |
| What may change | The NFL has confirmed the matchup, date, time, and venue; recheck the official schedule and Lumen Field guidance before travel in case operational details change. |
| Source | NFL Week 1 schedule |
| Source checked | July 27, 2026 |
The 2026 NFL regular season begins on Wednesday, September 9 at 8:20 p.m. ET, when the New England Patriots play the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle. This is the NFL Kickoff Game, not a playoff or season-final event.
For viewers in Seattle, kickoff is 5:20 p.m. PT; the NFL lists 8:20 p.m. ET for national scheduling. If attending, use the ticket link on the official NFL schedule and confirm Lumen Field entry and transport guidance before travelling.
More ways to track NFL Kickoff
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Open page →Put NFL Kickoff on your lock screen
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Open page →About NFL Kickoff
The 2026 NFL regular season begins on Wednesday, September 9, when the Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots in the NFL Kickoff Game.
History & Significance
The NFL Kickoff Game is the league's annual regular-season opener. It is normally hosted by the defending Super Bowl champion and starts the opening week of the NFL season.
NFL Kickoff 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
When is NFL Kickoff 2026?
NFL Kickoff 2026 is on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 — 40 days from today. You can track it with a free countdown widget on your iPhone home screen using the Outside app.
What day of the week is NFL Kickoff 2026?
NFL Kickoff 2026 falls on a Wednesday. Knowing the weekday helps you plan time off, travel, or weekend activities around the date.
How long until NFL Kickoff 2026?
NFL Kickoff 2026 is 5 weeks away — roughly 2 months from now. That's plenty of time to plan ahead.
Is there a free NFL Kickoff countdown app?
Yes. Outside is a free iPhone app with a NFL Kickoff countdown widget for your home screen, plus reminder alerts and calendar sync. Used by 300k+ people.
When exactly is NFL Kickoff 2026?
The 2026 NFL regular season begins on Wednesday, September 9 at 8:20 p.m. ET, when the New England Patriots play the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle. This is the NFL Kickoff Game, not a playoff or season-final event.
What is the NFL Kickoff 2026 schedule?
The Kickoff Game opens Week 1 on September 9. Week 1 continues with 49ers at Rams on September 10, followed by the Sunday and Monday slates on September 13–14.
What should I confirm before NFL Kickoff 2026?
The NFL has confirmed the matchup, date, time, and venue; recheck the official schedule and Lumen Field guidance before travel in case operational details change. For viewers in Seattle, kickoff is 5:20 p.m. PT; the NFL lists 8:20 p.m. ET for national scheduling. If attending, use the ticket link on the official NFL schedule and confirm Lumen Field entry and transport guidance before travelling.
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