The Dallas Cowboys are on to 2026, and the very last game of the NFL regular season just finished their slate of opponents for next season.

Since the NFL has a formula to determine each team’s opponents based on each team’s record, we already know who is playing the Cowboys in 2026 home or away. Though you need to wait until May for the actual schedule, you can see who they’re facing below.

Cowboys 2026 opponentsHome

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AwayCowboys expected to lose a home game

Though the Cowboys are supposed to play nine home games in 2026, several reports indicate they’ll be required to give one up for an international game. ESPN insider John Sutcliffe reported last year the Cowboys would be playing in Mexico in 2026. Jerry Jones has acknowledged Mexico City as his preference.

More than one insider has pointed to the Arizona Cardinals as a likely opponent.

The NFL schedule is expected to be revealed in May, as usual, though international games are often revealed earlier in the year. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admitted the league is headed back to Mexico after halting appearances there due to renovations to Estadio Azteca ahead of FIFA’s 2026 World Cup.

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How are NFL opponents selected?

The NFL has a formula that automatically determines yearly opponents for each team. It breaks down as follows:

  • Division games (6): Home-and-away vs the other 3 teams in the same division.

  • Intra-conference division (4): One full division from the same conference, on a 3-year rotation.

  • Inter-conference division (4): One full division from the other conference, on a 4-year rotation.

  • Same-place conference games (2): Two teams from the remaining same-conference divisions that finished in the same division place the previous season.

  • 17th game (1): Inter-conference opponent from a rotating division (the one faced two years prior), matched by previous season’s division finish.

Related: Dallas Cowboys’ season finale leaves head coach Brian Schottenheimer with a decision to second guess

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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Jan 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.