The lights went out on the 2025 season in the most Cowboys way possible. A 7-9-1 record. A Week 18 loss to the Giants at MetLife Stadium that basically felt like a slow-motion car crash. If you're a fan, you've probably spent the last two weeks trying to figure out why this keeps happening. But the NFL never stops moving. Honestly, the question of when do dallas cowboys play again is the only thing keeping most of us from dwelling on that Chargers game that officially ended the playoff hopes in December.
Here is the short answer: The Dallas Cowboys will play again in August 2026 for the NFL preseason. The real, high-stakes football starts in September 2026.
We don't have the exact calendar dates yet. Those usually drop in mid-May when the NFL does its big "Schedule Release" show. However, because of the league's fixed scheduling formula, we already know exactly who they’re playing and where those games are happening. And frankly, looking at the list of opponents, the road back to relevance in 2026 looks like an uphill climb in the mud.
When do Dallas Cowboys play again? Breaking down the 2026 schedule
The regular season is still months away, but the 2026 opponent list is locked in. Because the Cowboys finished second in the NFC East (behind the Eagles but ahead of the Giants and Commanders), their "bridge" games are against other second-place finishers.
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The NFL rotation is a bit of a math puzzle, but basically, in 2026, the NFC East is matched up against the AFC South and the NFC West. Dallas also gets an extra home game this year because of the 17-game rotating schedule.
Home Games at AT&T Stadium
- Philadelphia Eagles: The rivalry that never sleeps.
- New York Giants: Hopefully, Brian Schottenheimer’s squad can figure out how to score more than 17 points against them this time.
- Washington Commanders: A division staple.
- Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray always seems to play his best ball in Jerry World.
- San Francisco 49ers: This has become the modern-day "grudge match."
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence coming to Arlington.
- Tennessee Titans: A physical AFC test.
- Baltimore Ravens: This is a "performance" game based on standings. Lamar Jackson at AT&T Stadium is must-see TV.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Another second-place finisher matchup.
Road Trips on the 2026 Slate
- Philadelphia Eagles: Expect the usual warm welcome in Philly.
- New York Giants: Revenge for that Week 18 season-ender.
- Washington Commanders: A short trip to Landover.
- Los Angeles Rams: Cowboys fans usually turn SoFi Stadium into "AT&T Stadium West."
- Seattle Seahawks: One of the loudest environments in the league.
- Houston Texans: The Battle for Texas. This one is going to be massive for bragging rights.
- Indianapolis Colts: A trip to the Midwest.
- Green Bay Packers: Lambeau Field in the winter? We’ve seen this movie before.
Why the 2026 season feels different
The 2025 campaign was a mess. There’s no other way to put it. Finishing 7-9-1 with only one win against a playoff team (that Week 12 miracle against Philly) isn't just a "bad year." It's a wake-up call.
We already saw the first domino fall with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus getting the boot. Stephen Jones has been vocal about making "good progress" on finding a new DC, but the fans are restless. They want to know if the changes will actually matter by the time September rolls around.
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The NFC East is getting tougher, too. Look at the Giants. They just hired John Harbaugh. That's a franchise-altering move. You’ve got Dak Prescott, who has historically dominated the division, but if the Giants actually find a competent quarterback to pair with Malik Nabers under Harbaugh's leadership, the "easy" division wins are gone.
The Dak Prescott factor
Dak is entering a pivotal year. His contract, his age, and the pressure of two straight years without a playoff berth are weighing heavy. In 2025, he had his moments, but the consistency wasn't there. When the Cowboys play again in 2026, he’ll be under the microscope from the first snap of training camp in Oxnard.
Key dates to watch before kickoff
Even though the pads don't go on for a while, the 2026 season actually starts way before August. If you're wondering when do dallas cowboys play again, you should actually be looking at these milestones:
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- Late February 2026: The NFL Scouting Combine. This is where the Cowboys have to find the defensive line help they so desperately need.
- March 2026: Free Agency. Will Jerry Jones actually "go all in," or will we hear about "liking our guys" again?
- April 23-25, 2026: The NFL Draft.
- Mid-May 2026: The official schedule release. This is when we find out if the Cowboys are playing on Thanksgiving (they almost certainly are) and how many primetime games they've snagged.
- Late July 2026: Training Camp begins in Oxnard, California.
The international wildcard
There is a rumors floating around that the Cowboys might finally be "host" for an International Series game. Because they have nine home games in 2026, the league might look at that Baltimore Ravens matchup or the San Francisco game as a candidate for London or Germany. Jerry Jones usually hates giving up a home game in Arlington because of the revenue, but the NFL has been pushing hard for global expansion.
If that happens, the answer to when do dallas cowboys play again might involve a flight across the Atlantic.
Actionable next steps for fans
- Audit your tickets: If you're a season ticket holder, keep an eye on your portal in May. The extra home game means your invoice will look a bit different this year.
- Follow the DC search: The defense was the Achilles' heel in 2025. Whoever they hire to replace Eberflus will dictate the team's ceiling for the 2026 season.
- Plan your travel: If you're eyeing that road trip to Houston or Seattle, book your hotels as soon as the schedule drops in May. Those "Cowboys takeovers" sell out cities fast.
- Watch the Giants: Honestly, keep an eye on what's happening in New York. The Harbaugh hire is a signal that the NFC East is no longer a two-team race between Dallas and Philly.
The 2025 season is a wrap, and for many, it’s a "good riddance" situation. The road to 2026 has already begun in the front office, even if we won't see the star on the helmet in a real game for several months.