🏈 How many days until NFL kickoff?

When is the 2026 NFL kickoff?

The regular season begins on September 9, 2026, a Wednesday night, with the opening game hosted by the reigning Super Bowl champions and followed by a full slate of games that weekend. The opener usually falls on the Thursday after Labor Day, but the 2026 season starts a night earlier.

The kickoff marks the end of the offseason and preseason and the start of the 18-week regular season that leads into the playoffs and the Super Bowl.

What kicks off the season

Opening week is one of the most watched points of the sporting calendar in the United States, with primetime games across Thursday, Sunday, and Monday. Fantasy football leagues and season-long bets get under way at the same time.

From kickoff, each team plays 17 games across 18 weeks before the postseason bracket is set.

Counting down to kickoff

A countdown is an easy way to see how far off the new season is. Track the days until NFL kickoff with NanoCount and keep it on your Home Screen.

This page reflects the September 9, 2026 start date for the 2026 season.

Other ways to count

Frequently asked questions

When does the 2026 NFL season start?

The regular season kicks off on September 9, 2026.

How many games are in an NFL regular season?

Each team plays 17 games across an 18-week regular season, with one bye week.

What comes after the regular season?

The playoffs, which culminate in the Super Bowl.

How do I put this countdown on my iPhone?

With NanoCount you can place this countdown as a widget on your Home or Lock Screen. Open the app, create the countdown, then press and hold your Home Screen to add the widget.