The Arizona Cardinals just wrapped up a 2025 season that, frankly, most fans would rather scrub from their memory banks. A 3-14 record is a tough pill to swallow. Especially after that final 37-20 loss to the Rams on January 4, 2026. Now, the big question floating around State Farm Stadium is: When do the Arizona Cardinals play next?
Since the Cardinals didn't make the postseason cut, their next official hit won't happen until the 2026 NFL Preseason in August.
It feels like a lifetime away.
Right now, we are in that weird limbo. The playoffs are happening for other teams, and Cardinals fans are stuck looking at mock drafts and coaching rumors. While the specific dates and kickoff times won't be set in stone until the NFL releases the official schedule in May 2026, we already know exactly who they are playing and where those games will happen.
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When Do the Arizona Cardinals Play Next and Who Is the Opponent?
The 2026 schedule is actually looking pretty wild. Because the Cardinals finished last in the NFC West, they’ll be playing a "last-place" schedule. This basically means they face other teams that finished at the bottom of their respective divisions, which should—on paper—make things a little easier for a bounce-back year.
Here is the breakdown of the opponents for the 2026 season.
Home Games at State Farm Stadium
- San Francisco 49ers: The divisional rivalry continues.
- Los Angeles Rams: Looking for revenge after that Week 18 blowout.
- Seattle Seahawks: The bird-on-bird violence is mandatory.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Expect a lot of green in the stands for this one.
- Washington Commanders: A chance to see Jayden Daniels in Glendale.
- Denver Broncos: Always a weirdly competitive matchup.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Basically a home game for the Silver and Black fans who travel well.
- Detroit Lions: The Lions are a powerhouse now, so this is a huge test.
- New York Jets: A late addition to the home slate based on standings.
Road Trips on the Horizon
- San Francisco 49ers: Levi’s Stadium is never kind to the Cards.
- Los Angeles Rams: A trip to SoFi, which is basically a second home for half the league.
- Seattle Seahawks: Hopefully, it’s not raining in Lumen Field this time.
- Dallas Cowboys: A high-profile trip to Jerry World.
- New York Giants: A trek out to the Meadowlands.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Good luck stopping Mahomes at Arrowhead.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Another SoFi trip, just with different jerseys.
- New Orleans Saints: A return to the Caesars Superdome where the Cards actually won last year.
Why the Wait for the Schedule Matters
NFL fans are a special breed. We want to know exactly when to book the flights to New Orleans or Dallas. But the league loves the suspense.
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Historically, the NFL schedule release is a massive TV event in the middle of May. That is when you’ll get the "When do the Arizona Cardinals play next" answer with specific times and dates. Until then, you can plan for the opponents, but you can't book the hotels.
Wait, there’s a catch.
There is a small chance the Cardinals could be selected for an international game. The NFL has been aggressive about London, Germany, and even Brazil lately. If the Cardinals are tapped as a "home" team for an international game, one of those State Farm Stadium dates could vanish and turn into a 6:30 AM kickoff from across the pond.
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Key Dates for Your Calendar
- Late February 2026: The NFL Scouting Combine (The "Underwear Olympics").
- March 2026: Free Agency begins. This is where the Cardinals have to fix that defense.
- Late April 2026: The NFL Draft. With a top-tier pick, the Cards need a cornerstone.
- May 2026: The Full Schedule Release.
- Late July 2026: Training Camp starts in Glendale.
- August 2026: Preseason games begin.
What to Watch for in the Meantime
Kyler Murray is obviously the focal point. But after a 3-14 season, the front office is under a microscope. The coaching search is also a massive factor. If you're asking about the next game, you're probably also asking who will be standing on the sidelines with the headset on.
The roster is going to look fundamentally different by the time they take the field in August. With the finalized opponents including heavy hitters like the Chiefs and Eagles, the Cardinals can't afford a slow start like they had in 2025.
Honestly, the "next game" isn't just about football. It's about a total reset.
Final Insights for the Red Sea
While the long wait until August feels like an eternity, the offseason moves will dictate if the next game is actually worth watching. Keep an eye on the waiver wire and the draft boards. The schedule release in May will be the first "real" event where fans can start circling dates on the calendar.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the official Cardinals app in mid-May: This is the second the schedule drops.
- Review season ticket deposits now: If you're planning on hitting a lot of those home games (like the Eagles or Raiders), seats will go fast once the dates are out.
- Watch the NFL Draft in April: That’s where the "next" version of this team is actually built.