NFL unveils full 2026 preseason schedule, key dates and matchups

The National Football League released the full 2026 preseason schedule on Thursday, May 15, 2026, setting exhibition matchups for all 32 teams across the United States. The slate opens with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game and runs through late August. Preseason games provide a key window for evaluation and roster decisions before the regular season begins in September.

The exhibition calendar kicks off on August 6 in Canton, Ohio, where the Arizona Cardinals face the Carolina Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game. That standalone opener precedes three weeks of preseason contests for most clubs, with the two participants in Canton carrying an additional game.

Week 1 gets underway on August 13 and features several notable pairings, including the Cincinnati Bengals hosting the Detroit Lions and the New England Patriots meeting the Indianapolis Colts. Teams are scheduled for three exhibitions apiece in this period, with some start times still to be determined.

Hall of Fame opener and early slate

Arizona vs. Carolina launches preseason on August 6

The Hall of Fame Game marks the ceremonial start of the NFL season and gives Arizona and Carolina an extra look at rookies, new signings and depth options. Following that opener, Week 1 spreads across multiple days beginning August 13, as coaching staffs begin to install schemes and assess position battles.

Early fixtures include the Houston Texans hosting the Los Angeles Chargers on August 13 and the Pittsburgh Steelers welcoming the Green Bay Packers the same night, according to the league schedule. Other Week 1 meetings include Atlanta against Denver and Minnesota at the New York Giants.

Final week and roster decisions

Preseason wraps up on August 29 with multiple games

The preseason concludes on August 29, when the Green Bay Packers are set to host the Arizona Cardinals among a slate of closing games. The schedule also features late-August tune-ups such as the Carolina Panthers hosting the Houston Texans on August 28 and the Cincinnati Bengals traveling to face the Philadelphia Eagles on August 28.

While several kickoff times remain listed as to be determined, the release offers a clear framework for travel and preparation. The three-game format enables staffs to manage snaps for starters while giving extended opportunities to roster hopefuls across Weeks 1 through 3.

Teams will now finalize camp plans around these dates, with depth charts and role competitions set to take shape once the first preseason snaps arrive in August.