The National Football League's preseason officially begins this week with the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 6, at 8 p.m. ET. The matchup will see the Carolina Panthers face the Arizona Cardinals at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
This game also serves as the head coaching debut for Mike LaFleur with the Cardinals. LaFleur was hired in February following the dismissal of Jonathan Gannon in January 2026. The game will also feature the NFL debut of quarterback Carson Beck, a third-round pick by the Cardinals in the 2026 NFL Draft. Beck, formerly of the Miami Hurricanes, will make his first professional start.
Among the notable figures being inducted into the Class of 2026 of the Pro Football Hall of Fame are former players Luke Kuechly and Larry Fitzgerald, whose former teams will compete in the game. Other modern-era inductees include Drew Brees and Adam Vinatieri, along with senior inductee Roger Craig.
Coverage of the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 8 at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN and the NFL Network.
For those without cable, the Hall of Fame Game can be streamed via live TV streaming services. DIRECTV is offering a five-day free trial, which includes NBC and over 125 channels. Subscribers can also stream the game through Peacock, with a monthly subscription fee after a free trial period.