TotalSportek NFL Schedule 2026: Full Season & UK Kick-Off Times
American football continues to grow across Britain as fans prepare for another 18-week regular season. Following the NFL schedule 2026 requires understanding how US kickoff times translate for viewers watching from the UK.
From late-night Thursday Night Football games to Sunday evening slates and international fixtures, keeping track of dates is vital. This guide provides the complete regular season timeline, London Games details, and UK broadcast information.
Quick Answer
The 2026 NFL regular season runs across 18 matchweeks, featuring 17 games per franchise and one bye week. UK fans can watch early Sunday evening fixtures starting at 6pm BST, late Sunday evening matches at 9:25pm BST, and night games kicking off at 1:15am BST. The 2026 International Series includes marquee London Games hosted at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium during October.
2026 Regular Season Breakdown
The regular season calendar spans from early September through to early January, followed by the playoffs and Super Bowl. Each team plays 17 regular season fixtures across an 18-week schedule.
| Matchweek | Date Range (UK) | Key Schedule Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 9 September – 14 September 2026 | Kickoff game and opening Sunday slate |
| Weeks 2–4 | 17 September – 5 October 2026 | Early division rivalries |
| Weeks 5–7 | 8 October – 26 October 2026 | International Series and London Games |
| Weeks 8–12 | 29 October – 30 November 2026 | Bye weeks and Thanksgiving fixtures |
| Weeks 13–17 | 3 December 2026 – 3 January 2027 | Playoff push and cold-weather football |
| Week 18 | 9 January – 10 January 2027 | Final division deciders |
Top Regular Season Matchups
Heavyweight AFC contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills headline major primetime slots throughout the campaign. Division rivalries across the NFC and AFC carry heavy playoff implications as teams fight for seeding.
Thursday Night Football opens each matchweek, while Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football close out the weekend action. These single-window night games demand late-night viewing for British supporters.
2026 London Games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
London hosts international fixtures during the autumn, giving local fans the opportunity to watch regular season football in person. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hosts dedicated gridiron action featuring purpose-built facilities for NFL franchises.
The 2026 London series includes:
- Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (4 October 2026)
- Philadelphia Eagles vs Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (11 October 2026)
- Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium (18 October 2026)
International matches kick off at 2:30pm BST, offering perfect afternoon viewing for British fans inside the stadium and on television.
UK Kick-Off Times and Viewing Guide
Understanding time zone changes between Eastern Standard Time (EST) and British Summer Time (BST) helps you structure your viewing. The UK switches back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in late October, shifting kickoff windows by one hour for a brief period.
Main UK kickoff windows:
- Sunday Early Games: 6pm BST (5pm EST)
- Sunday Late Games: 9:25pm BST (4:25pm EST)
- Sunday Night Football: 1:20am BST (8:20pm EST)
- Monday Night Football: 1:15am BST (8:15pm EST)
- Thursday Night Football: 1:15am BST (8:15pm EST)
You can check options to watch NFL live on TotalSportek alongside official UK television details before each matchweek starts.
Licensed UK television coverage is provided by Sky Sports NFL, which broadcasts main Sunday evening windows and primetime night games. Free-to-air highlights programmes and selected live coverage are available on ITV and Channel 5, while DAZN offers full season access through NFL Game Pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date does the 2026 NFL regular season start?
The 2026 regular season begins on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, with the opening kickoff game hosted by the defending champions.
What time do NFL games start in the UK?
Main Sunday fixtures start at 6pm BST and 9:25pm BST. Primetime night matches on Thursday, Sunday and Monday kick off at 1:15am or 1:20am BST.
Which teams are playing in the 2026 London Games?
The 2026 London fixtures feature the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars.
How many games does each NFL team play in 2026?
Each franchise plays 17 regular season fixtures and receives one bye week across the 18-week schedule.
