NFL launches season with Super Bowl rematch and record overseas schedule

The league’s 2026 campaign begins with a Super Bowl rematch as the Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots, marking the start of what the NFL calls its most ambitious season. A record nine games will be played in seven countries across four continents, featuring the first regular-season matchup in Australia (Rams vs 49ers in Melbourne) and new fixtures in Brazil’s Maracana, France’s Stade de France, as well as continued games in London, Munich, Madrid and Mexico City.

Contenders such as the Los Angeles Rams—bolstered by Myles Garrett and the return of Aaron Donald—, the Denver Broncos, and the Kansas City Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes back from injury, are all vying for the championship. The league also voted to increase overseas games to ten in 2027, and Goodell said an overseas franchise is inevitable, citing fan data and strategic market opportunities. Executive Peter O'Reilly outlined the criteria guiding the expansion, highlighting markets like Germany, Brazil, Spain, Ireland, France and Australia.