The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for another high-stakes NFL season in 2026. While the National Football League typically releases the official regular-season schedule with specific dates, kickoff times, and television networks in mid-May, the lineup of opponents for America's Team is already set. Fans looking to plan their travel or ticket purchases can already identify which teams will be visiting AT&T Stadium and which cities the Cowboys will travel to during the 17-game campaign.

Status of the 2026 NFL Schedule Release

As of now, the exact calendar for the 2026 Dallas Cowboys games remains pending. The NFL schedule release is a major event in the sports world, usually occurring in the second week of May. This announcement will confirm the week-by-week matchups, including the prestigious Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, and Thursday Night Football slots.

A confirmed highlight for the 2026 season is the Cowboys' participation in the NFL International Series. Dallas is scheduled to play the Baltimore Ravens on September 27, 2026. This historic matchup will take place at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking a significant expansion of the Cowboys' global brand into South America.

2026 Home Opponents at AT&T Stadium

The Cowboys will host nine regular-season games in Arlington for the 2026 season. Under the NFL's rotating scheduling formula, the NFC East teams play a full rotation against an AFC division and another NFC division, alongside their standard home-and-away divisional series.

NFC East Division Rivals

The core of the home schedule features the three traditional rivals:

  • Philadelphia Eagles: A perennial battle for NFC East supremacy.
  • New York Giants: A rivalry that often anchors the opening weeks of the season.
  • Washington Commanders: A historic matchup featuring two of the league's oldest franchises.

Non-Divisional Home Games

Beyond the division, the Cowboys will welcome several high-profile teams to AT&T Stadium:

  • Baltimore Ravens: While listed as a home game, this is the designated international fixture in Brazil.
  • San Francisco 49ers: A classic playoff rivalry that has intensified in recent years.
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A frequent opponent for Dallas in the post-Tom Brady era.
  • Arizona Cardinals: A former NFC East rival that always brings a competitive atmosphere to Texas.
  • Tennessee Titans: An AFC South crossover that tests the Cowboys' defensive front.
  • Jacksonville Jaguars: Another AFC South matchup featuring young, emerging talent.

2026 Away Opponents and Road Trips

The 2026 road schedule features eight games, taking the Cowboys across the United States. These games are critical for determining playoff seeding and divisional standings.

NFC East Away Games

  • Philadelphia Eagles (Lincoln Financial Field)
  • New York Giants (MetLife Stadium)
  • Washington Commanders (Northwest Stadium)

Non-Divisional Away Games

  • Green Bay Packers: A trip to Lambeau Field is always a highlight of the NFL season, steeped in history and often played in challenging weather conditions.
  • Houston Texans: The "Battle of Texas" returns as the Cowboys travel south to NRG Stadium to face their in-state rivals.
  • Indianapolis Colts: A trip to Lucas Oil Stadium to face a disciplined AFC South opponent.
  • Seattle Seahawks: One of the loudest environments in the NFL at Lumen Field will test the Cowboys' offensive communication.
  • Los Angeles Rams: A return to SoFi Stadium, where the Cowboys typically enjoy a large and enthusiastic fan base in Southern California.

Analysis of Key 2026 Matchups

The Brazil Game: Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens

The September 27 game in Rio de Janeiro is perhaps the most anticipated game on the 2026 slate. Playing in the iconic Maracanã Stadium, the Cowboys will be the focal point of the NFL's international growth. The Ravens bring a physical, run-heavy offense that will provide an early-season litmus test for the Cowboys' defensive interior. This game is expected to be a global television event, drawing millions of viewers from South America and beyond.

The Rivalry with the San Francisco 49ers

Few non-divisional matchups carry as much weight as Cowboys vs. 49ers. These two franchises defined the 1970s and 1990s in the NFC. In recent years, the 49ers have been a significant hurdle for Dallas in the postseason. Hosting them at AT&T Stadium in 2026 provides the Cowboys with a crucial opportunity to establish dominance over one of the NFC's elite rosters.

The Battle of Texas: Cowboys at Texans

When the Cowboys travel to Houston, the pride of the Lone Star State is on the line. While the two teams play in different conferences, the local rivalry is intense. The Texans' recent resurgence makes this 2026 meeting a high-value game for fans in the region. It often features a split crowd and high-scoring offensive output.

How the 17-Game NFL Schedule is Created

To understand the 2026 schedule, it is helpful to look at the NFL's formula for determining opponents. The league uses a rotation system to ensure every team plays every other team at least once every four years.

  1. Divisional Games (6 games): Two games against each of the three NFC East opponents (Eagles, Giants, Commanders), one home and one away.
  2. Intra-conference Division (4 games): In 2026, the NFC East is matched against another NFC division on a rotating basis.
  3. Inter-conference Division (4 games): The NFC East teams are also matched against an AFC division.
  4. Position-based Games (2 games): Games against teams from the remaining two divisions within the NFC that finished in the same standing as the Cowboys the previous year.
  5. The 17th Game (1 game): An inter-conference game based on the previous year's standings against a team from a division not already on the schedule.

This formula ensures that the strength of schedule remains relatively balanced across the league while preserving long-standing rivalries.

Looking Back: The 2025 Regular Season Context

The 2026 season follows a 2025 campaign that saw significant shifts in the NFC East. In 2025, the Cowboys navigated a difficult schedule that included a Thanksgiving game against the Kansas City Chiefs and a Christmas Day road trip to Washington.

Reflecting on 2025 results:

  • The Cowboys started the 2025 season with a narrow 20-24 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • Significant victories included a 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders in Week 7 and a thrilling 31-28 Thanksgiving victory over the Chiefs.
  • The season concluded with a loss to the New York Giants, highlighting the competitive nature of the division and setting the stage for the 2026 rematch.

The performance in 2025 directly impacts the 2026 schedule's "standings-based" opponents, meaning the Cowboys' final rank in 2025 determined their matchups against other top-tier NFC teams in 2026.

Significant Travel and Logistics in 2026

The 2026 schedule presents unique logistical challenges for the Dallas Cowboys' coaching and training staff. The trip to Brazil requires extensive planning for recovery and acclimation. Teams playing international games are often granted a "bye week" immediately following the trip to allow players to recover from the long-haul flight and the physical toll of the game.

Additionally, the 2026 slate includes trips to Seattle and Green Bay. These "weather-impacted" venues can drastically change the style of play. A late-season game in Green Bay requires a focus on the running game and ball security, whereas a game in Seattle’s rain demands high-level special teams performance.

Ticket Information and How to Watch

Once the full schedule is released in May 2026, fans will have several options for viewing games:

  • Network Television: Major networks like FOX and CBS will handle the majority of Sunday afternoon games.
  • Prime Time: NBC will broadcast "Sunday Night Football," while ESPN handles "Monday Night Football."
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive home for "Thursday Night Football," and certain international or special games may appear on platforms like Netflix or Peacock.

Tickets for home games at AT&T Stadium usually go on sale shortly after the May schedule release. Demand for Cowboys games is among the highest in the NFL, often leading to sellouts within minutes of the public release.

Summary of the 2026 Cowboys Campaign

The 2026 season represents a year of international expansion and traditional rivalries for the Dallas Cowboys. With a high-profile game in Brazil and critical home stands against the 49ers and Ravens, the path to the playoffs will be challenging. While the specific dates and times are yet to be revealed, the quality of the opponents suggests that the 2026 season will be one of the most viewed in franchise history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the exact dates for the 2026 Cowboys games be announced?

The NFL typically releases the full schedule in May 2026. This announcement will include the dates, kickoff times, and broadcast partners for all 17 regular-season games.

Where is the Dallas Cowboys international game in 2026?

The Cowboys will play the Baltimore Ravens at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on September 27, 2026.

How many home games will the Cowboys have in 2026?

The Cowboys are scheduled for nine home games in 2026, although the game against the Baltimore Ravens is technically a home game being played at an international site.

Who are the Cowboys' main divisional rivals in 2026?

The Cowboys will play the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders twice each—once at home and once away.

Which AFC teams do the Cowboys play in 2026?

The 2026 schedule includes matchups against the Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Indianapolis Colts.