The Dallas Cowboys schedule is one of the most anticipated each NFL season, with fans marking their calendars for key matchups, prime-time games, and rival clashes. The Cowboys, one of the NFL’s most popular teams, compete every year in a 17‑game regular‑season slate that includes divisional battles, nationally televised games, and historic matchups.
As the 2026 season approaches, Dallas is coming off a 7–9–1 campaign and aims to return to the playoffs under head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Overview of the Cowboys 2026 Regular Season
The full 2026 Dallas Cowboys schedule was officially released by the NFL. It begins in early September and runs through the winter, including both home and away games against NFC and AFC opponents.
Key 2026 Games (Confirmed Dates)
Here’s a look at the Cowboys’ regular‑season matchups so far (all times Central Time unless noted):
| Week | Date | Opponent | Location | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Sun, Sep 6 | vs New York Giants | Home | FOX |
| Week 2 | Sun, Sep 13 | at Houston Texans | Away | CBS |
| Week 3 | Sun, Sep 20 | vs Chicago Bears | Home | FOX |
| Week 4 | Sun, Sep 27 | at San Francisco 49ers | Away | FOX |
| Week 5 | Sun, Oct 4 | vs Philadelphia Eagles | Home | ESPN/ABC |
| Week 6 | Sun, Oct 11 | at Detroit Lions | Away | CBS |
Note: Remaining weeks beyond Week 6 will be updated as the NFL finalizes the full calendar and TV scheduling.
Historic First International Game in 2026
A major highlight of the Dallas Cowboys schedule is the team’s participation in the NFL’s first regular‑season game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The matchup will take place at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, marking Dallas’ first game in South America and their first international contest since 2014.
Details including the opponent and exact date for the Brazil game will be announced closer to the season kickoff, but this historic fixture emphasizes the NFL’s continued global expansion.
Division Rivalries and Prime Time Matchups
The Cowboys schedule often features intense division games as part of the NFC East, including matchups against rivals like the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders. These games are crucial for playoff positioning and are typically scheduled in high‑visibility time slots.
Prime‑time appearances on Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, and Thursday Night Football also highlight marquee weeks that attract national attention and large TV audiences.
2025 Season Recap
Looking back at the 2025 Cowboys schedule provides context for how the team is shaping its approach: during that campaign, Dallas played significant games such as:
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Week 1 at the Eagles
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Divisional clashes vs Giants and Packers
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Monday night matchups and key rivalry games
These contests helped frame expectations for the 2026 schedule as the Cowboys seek improvement.
How Schedules Are Structured
The NFL’s scheduling model ensures that each team plays:
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Six games within their division (home and away vs each NFC East rival)
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Games against teams from a designated NFC and AFC division based on rotation
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Matchups against teams based on the previous season’s standings
This structure creates a competitive and balanced slate each year, shaping every team’s path toward potential playoff success.
What to Watch This Season
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International matchup: The historic Brazil game adds global intrigue.
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NFC East battles: Divisional games often decide playoff seeding.
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Prime time appearances: National TV games amplify the Cowboys’ exposure and excitement.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys schedule for the upcoming NFL season is packed with compelling matchups, historic firsts, and rivalry games that fans eagerly await. With a blend of home contests, prime‑time fixtures, and a landmark international game, the Cowboys’ slate promises plenty of excitement and opportunities to make a postseason push.
Stay tuned for final scheduling details as the NFL updates game dates, broadcast windows, and kickoff times throughout the preseason and regular season.
Would you like a week‑by‑week printable schedule table for the Cowboys’ full 2026 season? I can make one for you.