When Does Chicago Bears Play Again? – As of June 2026, the Chicago Bears are gearing up for the upcoming NFL season. Preseason action kicks off in mid-August, followed by the regular season in September. Here’s everything you need to know about the Bears’ next games, including dates, opponents, times (CT), and where to watch.
Chicago Bears Next Game: Preseason Opener
The Bears’ first game of 2026 is the preseason Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field. This is your soonest opportunity to see the Bears in action.
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM CDT
Opponent: vs. Cleveland Browns
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
TV: Chicago Bears Network on FOX32
Buy Tickets for Bears vs Browns
Full 2026 Chicago Bears Preseason Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (CT) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sat, Aug 15 | vs Cleveland Browns | 12:00 PM | Soldier Field |
| 2 | Sat, Aug 22 | at Cincinnati Bengals | 6:00 PM | Paycor Stadium |
| 3 | Sat, Aug 29 | at Tennessee Titans | 5:00 PM | Nissan Stadium |
2026 Regular Season: Bears Week 1 and Beyond
The regular season begins on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with the Bears traveling to face the Carolina Panthers.
Week 1: Sunday, September 13 – at Carolina Panthers, 12:00 PM CDT, FOX, Bank of America Stadium
Key Matchups and Notable Games in 2026
- Week 2 (Sept 20): vs Minnesota Vikings – Home opener at Soldier Field
- Week 3 (Sept 28): vs Philadelphia Eagles – Monday Night Football
- Week 7 (Oct 22): vs New England Patriots – Thursday Night Football
- Week 9 (Nov 8): vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sunday Night Football
- Week 12 (Nov 26): at Detroit Lions – Thanksgiving Day
- Week 16 (Dec 25): vs Green Bay Packers – Christmas Day on Netflix
- Week 17 (Jan 3): vs Detroit Lions
- Week 18: at Minnesota Vikings (TBD)
Chicago Bears 2026 Regular Season Schedule Highlights
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (CT) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sun, Sep 13 | at Carolina Panthers | 12:00 PM | FOX |
| 2 | Sun, Sep 20 | vs Minnesota Vikings | 12:00 PM | FOX |
| 3 | Mon, Sep 28 | vs Philadelphia Eagles | 7:15 PM | ESPN/ABC |
| 4 | Sun, Oct 4 | vs New York Jets | 12:00 PM | FOX |
| 5 | Sun, Oct 11 | at Green Bay Packers | 3:25 PM | FOX |
How to Watch Chicago Bears Games in 2026?
Most games will air on FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, or streaming services like Prime Video and Netflix for select matchups. Check local listings or the official Bears site for updates. International fans can use NFL Game Pass.
Tickets and Where to Buy
Tickets for all home games at Soldier Field are available through official channels. Prices vary by matchup, with high-demand games like those against division rivals selling quickly.
Official Bears Schedule & Tickets
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the first Chicago Bears game in 2026?
Preseason starts August 15 vs. the Browns; regular season on September 13 at Carolina.
Who are the Bears’ biggest rivals in 2026?
Division games against the Packers, Lions, and Vikings will be key highlights throughout the season.