The NFL will unveil the full 2026 season schedule on Thursday night, but one marquee matchup has already been announced. The first Sunday Night Football game of the season will feature the Dallas Cowboys traveling to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to face the New York Giants on NBC on September 13, 2026.

This will be the eighth time in 15 seasons that the two NFC East rivals meet in Week 1. The Cowboys have also been featured in the opening game of the season for two consecutive years, following their Week 1 matchup in Philadelphia during the 2025 season.

The NFL has also confirmed additional key games for the Cowboys in the 2026 season:

  • The Cowboys will face the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro during Week 3.
  • They will play their customary Thanksgiving Day game at home.

The league plans to announce all international matchups for the season on Wednesday, with additional games expected to be revealed in the lead-up to Thursday’s full schedule release.