When is the Chicago Bears' first game? Here's their full 2026 schedule

The Chicago Bears are less than a week away from taking on the Carolina Panthers in their season opener. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 04: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears looks to pass in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on January 04, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. As Labor Day comes and goes, Chicago Bears fans are excitedly looking forward to the start of the upcoming season. While college football took center stage this weekend, professional football will be back on the menu beginning Wednesday when the Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots in the Pacific Northwest. Both Super Bowl contenders from last season will face the Bears in consecutive games later this fall, but before then Chicago will take the field in their season opener this upcoming Sunday. That opener will pit the Bears against the Carolina Panthers, with the two teams facing off at noon on Sunday in Charlotte. The Bears' home opener will take place the following Sunday on September 20 against the Minnesota Vikings. Man killed in Logan Square shooting, Chicago police sayWeek 6 – Sunday, October 18 at Atlanta 12 p.m. FoxWeek 8 – Monday, November 2 at Seattle 7:15 p.m. ESPNWeek 11 – Sunday, November 22 vs. New Orleans 12 p.m. FoxWeek 13 – Sunday, December 6 vs. Jacksonville 12 p.m. FoxWeek 15 – Saturday, December 19 at Buffalo 7:20 p.m. CBS