The NFL Hall of Fame game in 2026 is almost here. Here's what to know

The NFL is back. Well, sort of.

Before the games count for real, there are a few more things to take care of. As usual, teams will need to get through training camp and the preseason before the real action kicks off again. For now, fans and teams will get an appetizer when the Hall of Fame game gets the preseason action started.

The annual exhibition game features the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers in 2026 – two teams with big connections to the Hall of Fame class of 2026.

MORE: Brees and Fitzgerald (not Belichick and Kraft) headline Hall of Fame class

Larry Fitzgerald was a Cardinals-lifer, much like Luke Kuechly was for the Panthers. It is rare for players to stick with one franchise for an entire career, but Fitzgerald and Kuechly did – and both did it at a Hall of Fame level. While the organizations celebrate their alumni, there is also business for both sides to take care of during this week of celebration.

The game will mark the head coaching debut of Mike LaFleur, who the Cardinals hired this offseason. On the flip side, it's a big year for Dave Canales, who enters his third season in Carolina. It's the first tune-up on the road to the regular season.

Here's what to know about the Hall of Fame game in 2026:

When is the Hall of Fame game?

• Date: Thursday, Aug. 6
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio

The NFL preseason kicks off with the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 6 in Canton, Ohio – just two days before five former players are enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The game will be available to watch on your local NBC affiliate or can be streamed with a Peacock subscription.

Who is playing in the Hall of Fame game?

• Matchup: Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers

The Cardinals and Panthers will meet in Canton, Ohio for this year's Hall of Fame game. While this is a matchup that wouldn't likely find a prime time window during the regular season, it is one that represents the 2026 Hall of Fame class.

Two of the five inductees, Larry Fitzgerald and Luke Kuechly, played their entire career with one team. So it only makes sense that Fitzgerald's Cardinals take on Kuechly's Panthers in the Hall of Fame game.

Fitzgerald and Kuechly will join Drew Brees, Adam Vinatieri and Roger Craig on Aug. 8 when they are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

When does the NFL regular season start?

• Week 1: Wednesday, Sept. 9 - Monday, Sept. 14

The NFL regular season begins when the Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl 60 rematch on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Week 1 continues with the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers facing off in a NFC West battle in Australia on Thursday, Sept. 10. The remainder of the opening week's slate continues Sunday and concludes Monday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The NFL Hall of Fame game in 2026 is almost here. Here's what to know