The AFLE Announces Kickoff Times for Inaugural 2026 Season
The American Football League Europe (AFLE) today announced the official kickoff times for its inaugural 2026 season, marking a historic milestone for professional American football in Europe.
American Football League Europe Sets the Stage
The first-ever AFLE season will kick off on Saturday, May 23, 2026, with matchups scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the regular season. Kickoff times will be set between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM (CEST/CET) – a deliberately flexible window designed to make every game accessible to as many fans as possible, whether they choose to experience the action live at the stadium or follow their favorite teams from home on TV.
Week 1 will be opened by the Vienna Vikings, who will host Berlin Thunder on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM (CEST/CET). In addition, the Wroclaw Panthers will travel to face the London Warriors on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM (CEST/CET).
The regular season runs through late August, followed by playoffs on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The season will culminate in the league’s AFLE Gold Bowl 2026 to be played on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg, Germany.
“The 2026 season marks the beginning of a new era for American football in Europe,” said Moritz Heisler, Managing Director and COO of the AFLE. “By scheduling games on both Saturdays and Sundays with afternoon and early evening kickoffs, we are creating a fan-first weekend experience that brings communities together around the sport we love.”
Designed for Fans, Broadcasters, and Partners
The structured kickoff window is designed to maximize matchday attendance, broadcast accessibility, and overall fan engagement throughout the league’s debut campaign. With weekend programming and a clear rhythm, the AFLE aims to establish a reliable matchday tradition for fans, broadcasters, and partners alike from day one.
