Dallas Cowboys 2026 Schedule & Opponents

The Dallas Cowboys 2026 schedule is structured around NFC East competition, global travel commitments, and meaningful crossover games.

Dallas will once again face the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders twice each. NFC East matchups frequently determine playoff tiebreaks and seeding, making head-to-head results critical to January positioning.

In addition to divisional and crossover games, the Cowboys are scheduled to participate in the first regular-season NFL game ever played in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The opponent, date, and kickoff time for this historic international matchup will be confirmed when the full 2026 NFL schedule is released in the spring. (nfl.com)

Outside the division, Dallas draws the NFC North and AFC South rotations, blending physical conference opponents with diverse interconference matchups.

Entering 2026, the Cowboys rank 11th in projected strength of schedule, reflecting a mid-tier yet competitive path where divisional consistency and travel sequencing will matter.

2026 Dallas Cowboys Opponents

Home Games:
New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commanders
Arizona Cardinals
Jacksonville Jaguars
San Francisco 49ers
Tennessee Titans
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baltimore Ravens

Away Games:
New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commanders
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Los Angeles Rams
Seattle Seahawks
Green Bay Packers

International Game:

‍Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Order, dates, and kickoff times will be published once the full NFL schedule is officially released in the spring. Opponents are based on the league’s scheduling formula and final 2025 standings.

The international designation in Rio de Janeiro represents a landmark moment in Cowboys history. While neither a traditional home nor away game, it carries global travel, preparation, and recovery implications that may influence early-season pacing and divisional rhythm.

The remaining home slate blends divisional leverage with conference crossover challenge. Hosting the Eagles will likely shape NFC East positioning, while matchups against San Francisco, Baltimore, and Tampa Bay introduce significant conference weight and physical defensive fronts.

Geographically, Dallas avoids excessive West Coast compression but still faces multiple high-demand road environments.

Strength of Schedule: Dallas Cowboys Rank 11th in 2026

The Dallas Cowboys enter 2026 with the 11th toughest projected strength of schedule at a .512 opponent win percentage.

This ranking places Dallas in the competitive mid-tier of league difficulty. The NFC East itself introduces tight divisional exchanges that often determine playoff access. The NFC North rotation brings physical defensive fronts and disciplined offensive structures, while the AFC South cycle introduces stylistic variation across Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, and Tennessee.

The Rio de Janeiro international game adds a non-traditional travel component that could alter recovery sequencing depending on placement. Managing preparation rhythm and travel windows will be central in minimizing competitive disruption.

In a schedule of this difficulty, divisional consistency and turnover discipline often separate contenders from mid-tier runners.

International Spotlight: Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro

The Cowboys’ participation in the first NFL regular-season game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a historic landmark for the franchise and the league.

Brazil represents one of the largest untapped NFL markets globally, and this matchup will include:

• Extended travel and circadian adjustment
• Preparation and recovery sequencing effects
• Expanded global visibility
• Enhanced fan engagement opportunities

The opponent, date, and kickoff time for the Rio game will be confirmed when the NFL releases the full 2026 schedule in May.

From a competitive standpoint, this game may influence early divisional pacing and rhythm. Players and coaches will need to integrate international travel logistics into weekly preparation windows without compromising performance.

Once confirmed, 2026 Dallas Cowboys Travel Packages will offer curated options for this historic international game alongside traditional road trips.

Key Matchups That Could Define the 2026 Season

Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles

The NFC East will likely hinge on these games. Philadelphia’s defensive front can dictate tempo and compress protection windows. For Dallas, sustaining offensive rhythm without turnover volatility will determine whether they control the division or chase it. A sweep shifts NFC East leverage immediately.

Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco presents a high-caliber NFC benchmark. The 49ers’ disciplined defensive structure and efficient offensive sequencing force clean execution. Hosting this matchup gives Dallas an opportunity to solidify conference credibility and influence seeding hierarchy.

Dallas Cowboys vs Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore brings AFC North physicality into AT&T Stadium. Protection integrity and defensive containment will be tested against a balanced attack. Interconference games like this strengthen total win margin, which often decides Wild Card placement.

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

Road games in Philadelphia alter cadence and rhythm. Crowd intensity and defensive pressure compress decision windows. Winning in this environment materially strengthens NFC East positioning.

Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers

Green Bay presents structured offensive timing and disciplined defensive play. Road success in Lambeau requires situational efficiency — particularly on third downs and in the red zone. Conference road wins carry outsized weight in playoff seeding discussions.

Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams

West Coast travel introduces tempo variance and logistical complexity. The Rams emphasize structured defensive fronts and offensive efficiency. Sustaining balanced drives and limiting explosive plays will determine outcome stability.

2026 Dallas Cowboys Travel Packages and Road Game Strategy

The Cowboys’ 2026 slate includes both global and domestic travel complexity. Rio de Janeiro is a destination that combines historic significance with logistical nuance. Competing internationally requires advanced travel planning, extended accommodation windows, and recovery sequencing awareness.

Domestically, trips to Philadelphia, Green Bay, Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston, and Indianapolis provide varied environments with playoff-level context. Divisional road games remain core to maintaining NFC East relevance.

Because Dallas projects inside the mid-tier strength-of-schedule ranking, late-season divisional road games may carry elevated playoff leverage. Ticket demand and hotel inventory will tighten quickly once dates are announced.

Fans planning structured weekend trips should monitor the May schedule release carefully. Once confirmed, 2026 Dallas Cowboys Travel Packages will provide ticket-inclusive planning, hotel proximity strategies, and curated road game guidance.

When Is the Dallas Cowboys 2026 Schedule Released?

The NFL has historically released the full regular season schedule in May. The exact date varies each year, but fans should expect the Dallas Cowboys 2026 schedule, including kickoff times and prime-time assignments, to be announced during that window.

Once released, this page will update with:
• Complete week-by-week schedule
• Prime-time designations
• Bye week placement
• Home opener confirmation

Frequently Asked Questions About the Dallas Cowboys 2026 Schedule

Who do the Dallas Cowboys play in 2026?

The Cowboys will face NFC East divisional opponents twice and play cross-division matchups against the NFC North and AFC South, including teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans.

Will the Cowboys play internationally in 2026?

Yes, the Dallas Cowboys are scheduled to participate in the first NFL regular-season game ever played in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

How many home games do the Dallas Cowboys have in 2026?

Dallas will host nine regular-season home games.

Where do the Dallas Cowboys rank in strength of schedule for 2026?

The Cowboys rank 11th in projected strength of schedule with a .512 opponent win percentage.

When will the full Dallas Cowboys 2026 schedule be announced?

Historically, the NFL releases the full schedule in May.

What Comes Next for the Dallas Cowboys 2026 Schedule

The opponents are confirmed and the strength ranking reflects competitive balance. What remains is sequencing.

When the NFL releases the official 2026 calendar in May, this page will expand to include the complete week-by-week Dallas Cowboys 2026 schedule, confirmed kickoff times, and deeper playoff impact analysis based on divisional timing and travel clustering.

For league-wide context, monitor the complete 2026 NFL Schedule. For fans planning premium home weekends or road trips, review 2026 Dallas Cowboys Travel Packages once dates and inventory become available.