The AFLE releases schedule for the 2026 inaugural season
The American Football League Europe (AFLE) has officially released the schedule for its inaugural 2026 season. With the calendar now available, the league takes another important step toward kickoff and provides teams, partners, and supporters with a clear overview of the upcoming competition.
The 2026 season will feature 51 games played across 16 weeks. Up to four games will take place every weekend, with matchups scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the regular season.
AFLE COO and Managing Director Moritz Heisler acknowledged that many people had been waiting for the schedule announcement and emphasized the league’s excitement as preparations continue.
“We are aware that many fans, partners, and media members have been waiting for the schedule announcement, and we appreciate everyone’s patience during this process,” Heisler said. “Our focus was on making sure that all structural and operational details were fully aligned before releasing the calendar. Now that the schedule is published, we are excited that preparations can truly move into the next phase. The countdown to kickoff has officially started, and we are looking forward to bringing high-level football to fans across Europe this summer.”
Opening weekend
The AFLE season will begin on the weekend of May 23 and 24, marking the start of the league’s first official campaign.
Week 1
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Berlin Thunder at Vienna Vikings
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Wroclaw Panthers at London Football Team
Week 2 matchups
The second week of the season will already feature four games across Saturday and Sunday.
Week 2
Saturday, May 30, 2026
London Football Team at Rhein Fire
Firenze Red Lions at Paris Lights
Sunday, May 31, 2026
Vienna Vikings at Wroclaw Panthers
Berlin Thunder at Alpine Rams
Due to recent adjustments to the schedule, the previously planned general bye week in Week 11 will no longer take place. The updated structure ensures that all games can be played within the planned timeframe of the 2026 season.
The remaining matchups for the regular season can be found on the official game schedule page on the league’s website, as well as through the league’s social media channels.
Kickoff times and final game locations will be announced soon as part of the league’s ongoing preparations for the inaugural season.
With the schedule now released, the countdown to the first AFLE kickoff continues as teams prepare for the historic inaugural season in 2026.
