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There's no surer sign of football's return than the actual playing of games. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game routinely kicks off the NFL preseason, and provides fans with their first look at pro-football action since the Super Bowl.
This year is no different, as the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers officially welcome fans into the 2026 season by taking part in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
With the 2026 NFL regular season just around the corner, here's everything you need to know about the first preseason game of the year, including when it's taking place and how to watch it.
When is the 2026 Hall of Fame Game?
The 2026 Hall of Fame Game will take place Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The game always takes place on Hall of Fame weekend, when the next class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame officially gets inducted.
What time is the 2026 Hall of Fame Game?
The game will begin at 8 p.m. ET.
Who is playing in the 2026 Hall of Fame Game?
The Cardinals and Panthers are the two teams taking part in the contest. As for which specific players are going to see action, that's complicated. Teams that play in the Hall of Fame Game usually play an extra preseason game. Because of that, teams often elect to sit their prominent players and starters during the Hall of Fame Game.
Last year, as an example, Trey Lance and Kyle Allen started the contest for the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions, respectively. While mostly backups played in the contest, the Chargers did let promising rookie Omarion Hampton get two carries.
The Panthers are coming off a division title in 2025, and might choose to play things more cautiously in 2026. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are coming off a 3-14 season and may be willing to let some of their youngsters take the field in the contest.
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football after a reception during a NFL team training camp at State Farm Stadium on August 25, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Christian Petersen via Getty Images
Who is getting inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026?
Five players will be honored before and after the 2026 Hall of Fame Game. They include quarterback Drew Brees, running back Roger Craig, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, linebacker Luke Kuechly and kicker Adam Vinatieri.
Fitzgerald and Kuechly have ties to the Cardinals and Panthers, respectively, which is likely a big reason why those two teams were chosen to play in the 2026 Hall of Fame Game.
How to watch the 2026 Hall of Fame Game
The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game will air on NBC and Peacock. Mike Tirico will provide play-by-play, with Cris Collinsworth doing color commentary.
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