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NFL releases 2026 schedule, adds Melbourne opener

5/15/2026

50 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The NFL will release the 2026 schedule on Thursday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network.
The New York Giants will open on Sunday Night Football versus the Dallas Cowboys on September 13.
The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will play the NFL’s first regular-season game in Melbourne on Thursday night of Week 1.
Analyst Warren Sharp rates the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 schedule fourth-toughest, the Giants ninth-toughest, and the Cardinals toughest.

History

Historical Context

In October 2006 NFL owners approved up to two regular-season games abroad, launching the International Series with the Giants-Dolphins matchup at Wembley on Oct. 28 2007. The series became an annual London fixture, expanded in 2015 to include additional venues and markets such as Mexico, and now the 2026 schedule places the Rams and 49ers in Melbourne as part of the league’s global growth strategy.

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Story summary

The NFL will release the 2026 schedule on Thursday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network.
The New York Giants will open on Sunday Night Football versus the Dallas Cowboys on September 13.
The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will play the NFL’s first regular-season game in Melbourne on Thursday night of Week 1.
Analyst Warren Sharp rates the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 schedule fourth-toughest, the Giants ninth-toughest, and the Cardinals toughest.

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