Seahawks won't play internationally in 2026
The NFL made it official Wednesday morning - the Seahawks will not play an international game in 2026.
The Seahawks were still in play for two international games this year - against Washington in London and the 49ers in Mexico City.
But when the NFL revealed the full matchups for all nine of the league's international games this season, the Seahawks were not included with the Commanders instead slated to play the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the 49ers playing the Vikings in Mexico City.
The Seahawks have played only two games in the league's official international series - a win over the Raiders at Wembley Stadium in London in 2018 and a loss to Tom Brady and Tampa Bay in Munich in 2022.
Not getting scheduled for an international game this year would seem to make it almost a certainty that the Seahawks will play internationally in 2027 since the league's desire to play more and more games in other countries means that roughly half the teams will play in one each season. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the ultimate goal is for up to 16 international games each season so that each team plays one.
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The Seahawks had thought they would play in one this season and there was speculation they were to be the opponent for the Rams in the league's first-ever game in Australia this year on the first weekend of the season.
But that went out the window when the Seahawks advanced to the Super Bowl and won it, meaning they would instead host the first game of the season, a rite given each year to the league's defending champ. Washington and the 49ers were the only two other teams on the Seahawks' schedule who were hosting international games.
With the question of international games answered, the Seahawks now await the unveiling of their entire schedule for the 2026 season Thursday at 5 p.m.
Opponents for every team have already been set based on the league's scheduling formula, but dates, times and TV/streaming assignments were still to be determined.
The Seahawks' home opponents for the 2026 season are: Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots.
And the road opponents are: Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers.
The biggest question remaining unanswered for the Seahawks is who the team will play in the NFL regular season opener, an honor given annually to the team that wins the Super Bowl.
The possible options are down to four - Bears, Patriots, Cardinals and Chargers. But most of the speculation has pointed to Chicago likely getting the call to come to Seattle for the opener on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
As the defending Super Bowl champs, the Seahawks figure to get a handful of marquee, prime-time games, including possibly being asked to play on Christmas for the first time in franchise history. They are one of just six teams yet to play on Christmas.
The lack of an International game means the Seahawks will travel less than either the 49ers (who have two international games) and the Rams (who have one).
According to Bookies.com, the 49ers --- playing in both Mexico City and Australia --- will have 38,105 air miles this year, which ranks as the most in the NFL The Rams, who are hosting the 49er in Australia, will 34,847, second in the NFL.
The Seahawks are at 22,056, which ranks 10th and is lower than last year's 35,488, which ranked second. That's due not only to not having an international game but also having one fewer road game in the regular season and also playing the AFC West rather than the AFC South. That means trips to Las Vegas and Denver rather than last year having trips to Jacksonville and Pittsburgh.
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 6:39 AM.