when does the 2026 nfl season start

The 2026 NFL regular season is scheduled to start on Thursday, September 10, 2026, with the traditional NFL Kickoff Game featuring the defending Super Bowl champions.

Key details

• The opener is set for Thursday, September 10, 2026, the first Thursday after Labor Day, which is when the league usually kicks off the new season.

• The NFL Kickoff Game is expected to be hosted by the reigning Super Bowl LX champion, as is customary.

• Week 1 games will then continue across the rest of the opening weekend.

In other words, if you’re planning ahead, you can circle Thursday night, September 10, 2026, as the night the 2026 NFL season officially returns.

TL;DR: When does the 2026 NFL season start? Thursday, September 10, 2026.

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