The Detroit Lions have announced their 2026 regular season schedule, a highly anticipated event that marks a significant step in the team's international expansion. This year's schedule is packed with exciting games, including eight nationally-televised matches and a historic home game in Munich, Germany, the team's first international fixture since 2015.
The Lions' 2026 season will kick off with a Week 1 home game against the New Orleans Saints, a strategic choice given Head Coach Dan Campbell's previous experience with the team. Campbell, who served as Assistant Head Coach/Tight Ends from 2016 to 2020, was appointed as Detroit's head coach in 2021, making this opening game a special one for him.
The schedule then takes the team on a journey across the country, with a Thursday Night Football match against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2, marking the Bills' first regular-season game at the new Highmark Stadium. This is followed by a Sunday Night Football game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 4, the Lions' first primetime matchup against the Panthers.
The NFC North slate begins with back-to-back home games against the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings in Weeks 7 and 8, respectively. A highlight of the season is Week 10, when the Lions will host the New England Patriots in Munich, Germany, a historic first for the team. This game will be the designated home match, a unique opportunity for the Lions to showcase their brand internationally.
The Thanksgiving Day Classic, Detroit's 87th edition, will see the Lions face the Chicago Bears on Thursday, November 26, the fifth Thanksgiving Day game between the two teams in the last nine seasons. This classic rivalry match is always a highlight of the NFL calendar.
The season concludes with road games at Chicago in Week 17 and Green Bay in Week 18, before the team returns home for the final game of the regular season. The Lions' preseason schedule is also set, with a trip to Cincinnati to face the Bengals, followed by home games against the Washington Commanders and Indianapolis Colts.
The 2026 schedule includes flexible scheduling options for Sunday Night, Monday Night, and Thursday Night Football, allowing for last-minute changes to the lineup. This flexibility is a testament to the NFL's commitment to providing the best possible viewing experience for fans.
Single-game tickets for the 2026 season will be available via Ticketmaster, with limited suite inventory also on offer. On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the NFL and Official International Fan Travel Partner of the Detroit Lions, has launched official ticket and travel packages for the NFL Munich Game, offering fans a chance to attend the historic match in style.
The Lions' 2026 schedule is a mix of familiar rivalries and new international challenges, promising an exciting and diverse season for fans. With a strong focus on both domestic and international appeal, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the NFL and beyond.
