When is NFL kickoff?
NFL kickoff is on September 9, 2026.
That is 6 days away, on a Wednesday.
Upcoming dates
- 2026Wed, September 9
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.
Count down to NFL kickoff
Put a live countdown to NFL kickoff on your Home Screen with NanoCount, in days, weeks or working days. Free, no subscription, no ads.
Frequently asked questions
- When is NFL kickoff?
- NFL kickoff is on September 9, 2026.
- What day of the week is NFL kickoff?
- This year, NFL kickoff falls on a Wednesday.
- How many days until NFL kickoff?
- 6 days.