The new NFL season kicks off this week with a highly anticipated rematch between the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks, and the New England Patriots. This game marks the first time since 2016 that a Super Bowl rematch will open the regular season. Seattle’s victory in the Super Bowl earlier this year was historic, as it was the first time a coach from outside the United States, Aden Durde, won the league’s top prize. Durde described the win as "unreal" and emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and dedication to the process that guides his coaching. Seattle faces a tough challenge this season from the Los Angeles Rams, who are considered strong contenders for Super Bowl 61 after upgrading their roster. The Rams and Seahawks had two exciting regular-season games last year, culminating in a thrilling playoff matchup that Seattle narrowly won. Durde acknowledged the uncertainty of how this rivalry will play out in the new season and noted that the off-season was designed to prepare for such challenges. The NFL season opener, traditionally featuring the defending champions, will be held in Seattle, marking a change in scheduling due to new rules that prohibit professional American football games on Fridays or Saturdays in early September. The first international game of the season will take place in Melbourne, Australia, where the Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This game is scheduled for Friday at 10:35 local time (01:35 BST). The NFL plans to host nine international games in the 2026 season, with Australia and France making their debut as host countries. Regular season games will be played across four continents and seven countries, including a return to Mexico after a four-year absence. Thanksgiving week will be packed with five games, starting with a matchup between the Rams and the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Eve. On Thanksgiving Day, 26 November, a triple-header will feature two divisional games and potentially a high-profile clash between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, depending on Mahomes’ recovery from injury. The holiday schedule will also include a Black Friday game on 27 November, with the Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the Denver Broncos. The NFL regular season will end on Sunday, 10 January 2027, followed by the playoffs starting on 16 January. Super Bowl 61 is set for Sunday, 14 February 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This will be the first time the Super Bowl is played on Valentine’s Day, with the following day being Presidents’ Day in the United States. The Rams, who previously won the Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium, have continued to strengthen their team by acquiring key defensive players and re-signing Aaron Donald on a one-year contract.