Arizona Cardinals to play Carolina Panthers in 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game

Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; From left: Adam Vinatieri, Luke Kuechly, Larry Fitzgerald, Roger Craig and Drew Brees pose during a press conference introducing the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2026 at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Arizona Cardinals will open the 2026 NFL preseason against the Carolina Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game.

From the team:

The Pro Football Hall of Fame today announced that the Arizona Cardinals will play theCarolina Panthersto kick off the 2026 preseason on Thursday, August 6 inthe Hall of Fame Game from Canton, OH. The game will air on NBC and kickoff time from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium isat 5:00 PM(Arizona Time).

The Cardinals played the New York Giants to a 21-21 tie in the first-ever Hall of Fame Game in 1962. It will be the franchise'ssixthHOF game appearance overall and first since 2017when they played theDallasCowboys. It will be just the second Hall of Fame Game for the Panthers whose only other appearance was against the Jaguars in 1995, the inaugural season for both teams.

Both Arizona andCarolinahave a representative in the HOF's 2026 Class who spent his entire career with that franchise:wide receiverLarry Fitzgeraldfor the Cardinals andlinebackerLuke Kuechlyof thePanthers. The other members of the class arequarterback Drew Brees, running back Roger Craig andkickerAdam Vinatieri.TheHall of Fame Class of 2026will be inducted onSaturday, August 8at the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony.

It should be a fun weekend and great opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of this years Hall of Fame class, including Fitz.