NFL Preseason 2026 Kickoff Dates The 2026 NFL preseason games are set to begin in late July to early August, following the league's typical schedule pattern. This timing allows teams to fine-tune rosters and strategies before the regular season starts in September.

Hall of Fame Game

The preseason traditionally opens with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. For 2026, it's tentatively scheduled for Thursday, July 30 , at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, marking the official start of exhibition play.

Week 1 Schedule

Week 1 games follow closely, with the full slate kicking off on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Additional matchups span Friday, August 7, and Saturday, August 8, though specific teams and times are still TBA as of early 2026.

Date| Day| Notes
---|---|---
Jul 30| Thursday| Hall of Fame Game
Aug 6| Thursday| Week 1 begins
Aug 7-8| Fri-Sat| Week 1 continues 1

Full Preseason Timeline

The three-week preseason wraps up by Saturday, August 22, 2026 , ahead of roster cuts and training camp finales. One source notes Week 1 potentially shifting to August 13, but August 6 aligns with primary schedules from NFL playoff sites.

"The 2026 NFL preseason is scheduled to begin with the Hall of Fame Game, tentatively set for Thursday, July 30, 2026."

Schedules are typically finalized in spring, so check NFL.com for updates as matchups get announced. This setup helps fans gear up for stars like emerging rookies and veteran returns.

TL;DR: Preseason starts July 30 (Hall of Fame), Week 1 August 6, ends August 22.

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