If you were hoping to see Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb under the bright lights this weekend, I’ve got some tough news for you. The Dallas Cowboys won't be playing another meaningful snap of football for a long time. Their 2025-2026 campaign officially hit a wall on January 4, 2026, with a rough 34-17 loss to the New York Giants.
Basically, the season is over. No playoffs. No "America’s Team" in the postseason hunt.
For fans asking when do the dallas cowboys play their next game, the answer is unfortunately centered on the 2026 preseason, which won't kick off until August. The official NFL schedule doesn't usually drop until May, but we already know exactly who they are going to face. It’s a weird spot to be in, honestly. You’re looking at a seven-month gap where the only "wins" happen in the front office rather than on the turf at AT&T Stadium.
The Long Wait for the 2026 Season
The Cowboys finished their most recent season with a 7-9-1 record. That tie against the Packers back in September feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it? Because they finished second in the NFC East, their 2026 schedule is already locked in terms of opponents, even if the calendar isn't.
You can expect the next Cowboys game to happen in early August 2026 for the preseason. If you only care about the games that count toward the standings, you're looking at September 10, 2026, as the likely start of the NFL regular season.
Who is on the 2026 Schedule?
Since they finished second in the division, the NFL's scheduling formula dictates a specific rotation. In 2026, the NFC East teams play the AFC South and the NFC West.
Home Games at AT&T Stadium:
- Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders (The usual suspects).
- Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers.
- Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.
- Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Away Games on the Road:
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- Philadelphia, New York (Giants), and Washington.
- Houston Texans (The battle for Texas!) and Indianapolis Colts.
- Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.
- Green Bay Packers (Because a trip to Lambeau is apparently mandatory for Dallas).
Why the Season Ended Early
It’s kinda frustrating to look back at how things fell apart. Brian Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach had some high points—like that massive Thanksgiving win over the Kansas City Chiefs—but the consistency just wasn't there.
Injuries played a role, but so did a defense that struggled to get off the field in December. Losing three of their last four games, including that finale at MetLife Stadium, effectively sealed their fate. They were officially eliminated from playoff contention when the Eagles beat the Commanders in Week 16.
The quarterback situation is also going to be a massive talking point this spring. While Dak Prescott had a Pro Bowl-caliber season statistically, seeing Joe Milton get snaps in the season finale has some fans wondering if a transition is coming sooner than expected.
What Happens Between Now and September?
Just because there isn't a game this Sunday doesn't mean the Cowboys are "off." The NFL offseason is a beast of its own. If you’re a die-hard, these are the dates that actually matter now:
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- Late February 2026: The NFL Scouting Combine in Indy. This is where they’ll look for the next defensive star to replace what they lost in the Micah Parsons trade to Green Bay.
- March 11, 2026: Free agency begins. Expect Jerry Jones to be aggressive; he’s never been one to sit on his hands after a losing season.
- April 23–25, 2026: The NFL Draft. This is where the 2026 roster really starts to take shape.
- May 2026: The full schedule release. This is when we find out exactly which Sunday (or Monday night) the Cowboys actually return to the field.
Honestly, the "next game" for this team is a battle against their own salary cap and roster gaps.
Actionable Steps for Cowboys Fans
Since you won't be heading to Arlington for a game anytime soon, here is how you can stay locked in:
- Check the compensatory pick list: Dallas is expected to gain some mid-round draft capital due to player departures last year.
- Monitor the coaching staff: With a 7-9-1 finish, expect some shuffling among the assistant coaches under Schottenheimer.
- Watch the 2026 International Schedule: There’s a strong rumor that Dallas might "host" a game in London or Mexico City this year, likely against the Ravens or 49ers.
Keep an eye on the official team site around mid-May. That’s when the specific kickoff times and dates for the 2026 season will finally be real. Until then, it’s draft season.