The National Football League revealed on Monday that the Dallas Cowboys will travel to face the New York Giants for the season’s inaugural Sunday night matchup on September 13, 2026.
The Week 1 clash between these NFC East division opponents will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. League officials plan to unveil the complete 2026 schedule on Thursday, with additional games being announced throughout the week.
These longtime rivals have now been paired for season openers eight times over the last 15 seasons, highlighting their marquee appeal.
The Cowboys consistently attract nationwide television audiences as “America’s Team,” while the Giants are expected to receive increased prime-time coverage featuring newly hired head coach John Harbaugh and established franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart, who completed a notable first season. The game will mark Harbaugh’s coaching debut with New York.
Assuming both players remain healthy, this contest would represent the first significant meeting between Dart and Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott. Though both signal-callers participated in the January 4th season finale, their teams had already been eliminated from playoff consideration.
The matchup may also showcase the professional debuts of two former Ohio State teammates: New York linebacker Arvell Reese, selected fifth overall in the draft, and Dallas safety Caleb Downs, chosen 11th overall.
With Dallas visiting New York, neither franchise will travel to Seattle for the Wednesday night season opener on September 9th, when the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks will reveal their championship banner. The remaining candidates for that Wednesday matchup include Chicago, Arizona, Kansas City, the Los Angeles Chargers, or a potential championship game rematch against New England.
