Super Bowl rematch kicks off NFL season as league expands global reach

The Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams takes center stage as the NFL kicks off its most ambitious season in history. The game, set to be played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, marks the beginning of a sprawling 2026 campaign that will span seven countries and four continents.

The Seahawks, seeking to retain their title, face a tough challenge from a crowded field of contenders including their NFC West divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams, aiming for a repeat of their 2022 Super Bowl triumph, have assembled a star-studded roster with the addition of defensive star Myles Garrett and the return of defensive great Aaron Donald from retirement.

Other teams with realistic title ambitions include the Denver Broncos, who finished the 2025 season with a 14-3 record but were derailed by an injury to quarterback Bo Nix. The Broncos open their season with a high-stakes divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, who will welcome the return of Patrick Mahomes after his season-ending knee injury last December.

The NFL is also making strides in expanding its global footprint. For the first time, nine games will be played overseas, with the first match-up set to take place in Melbourne, Australia. The international roadshow will also bring NFL action to Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Munich, Madrid, and Mexico City. The league has already voted to increase the number of international games to 10 in 2027, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressing optimism about the eventual establishment of overseas franchises.