NFL 2026 Schedule Reveal: Thanksgiving Eve Game, Black Friday Matchup, and Classic Thursday Showdowns

The NFL is set to unveil its 2026 regular season schedule, featuring a slate of games that further embeds football into holiday traditions. Among the highlights is a new Thanksgiving Eve game, a Black Friday matchup, and the annual Thanksgiving Day tripleheader, including the classic Cowboys vs. Eagles showdown.

NFL Adds Thanksgiving Eve Game to 2026 Schedule

For the first time, the NFL will host a game on Wednesday, November 25, 2026—the night before Thanksgiving. This "Thanksgiving Eve" game will air as part of Netflix’s coverage of the 2026 season, marking a significant expansion of football’s presence during the holiday week.

The Wednesday night slot coincides with one of the busiest social nights of the year, as fans gather at bars and restaurants nationwide. The league’s decision to schedule a game on this night underscores its commitment to maximizing viewership during key cultural moments.

Thanksgiving Day 2026: Three Games, Including Cowboys vs. Eagles

Thanksgiving Day will feature the NFL’s traditional tripleheader, with the first two games airing in the afternoon and a primetime game following:

• Afternoon Game 1: Detroit Lions vs. [Opponent TBD] (hosted by Detroit)
• Afternoon Game 2: Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles (hosted by Dallas at AT&T Stadium)
• Primetime Game: [Opponent TBD] vs. [Opponent TBD] (TBD location)

The Lions and Cowboys have hosted Thanksgiving Day games since 1934 and 1966, respectively, making this matchup a cornerstone of the holiday’s sports calendar. The third game, traditionally a rotating primetime slot, will be announced closer to the schedule release.

In 2022, the NFL rebranded its Thanksgiving games as the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration, honoring the legendary coach and broadcaster. The change replaced the previous "Thanksgiving Classic" branding, which had been in place since 2001.

Confirmed Matchup: Cowboys vs. Eagles on Thanksgiving

The NFL officially announced the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game against the Eagles, scheduled for Thursday, November 26, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The matchup will air on FOX as part of the network’s coverage of the holiday slate.

Philly’s heading to Dallas for a Thanksgiving matchup 🦃
@NFLonFOX
NFL Schedule Release – Thursday at 8pm ET on ESPN/NFLN https://t.co/FoWFLAGxYF

Black Friday NFL Game Returns in 2026

The NFL will once again host a Black Friday game in 2026, continuing a tradition that began in 2023. The matchup will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video as part of the league’s media rights agreement with the platform.

The Black Friday game has become a staple of the post-Thanksgiving weekend, offering fans a football fix amid holiday shopping. The opponent and location for the 2026 game will be announced as part of the full schedule release.

What’s Next for the 2026 NFL Schedule?

The NFL will officially unveil its 2026 regular season schedule on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET. The announcement will air on ESPN and NFL Network, with details available on the league’s digital platforms. Fans can expect a mix of traditional rivalries, primetime showdowns, and innovative scheduling to enhance the viewing experience.