Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers will open their 2026 NFL campaigns on Sunday, September 13, when Chicago visits Carolina at Bank of America Stadium in Week 1.
When is Chicago Bears vs Carolina Panthers?
The game will be played on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Kickoff: 10:00 a.m. PT, 12:00 p.m. CT and 1:00 p.m. ET.
U.S. broadcast: FOX.
Where to watch Chicago Bears vs Carolina Panthers in the USA?
FOX will broadcast the matchup across the United States. The game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, 12:00 p.m. CT and 10:00 a.m. PT.
Chicago Bears vs Carolina Panthers preview
Chicago Bears enter the 2026 season looking to build on a breakthrough 2025 campaign. The Bears finished 11-6, won the NFC North and secured a playoff victory, giving Ben Johnson's team a strong foundation heading into his second season as head coach.
Caleb Williams remains the centerpiece of Chicago's offense. The former No. 1 overall pick enters his third NFL season with expectations rising, and Week 1 provides an immediate opportunity to show how much the offense has developed.
Carolina Panthers, meanwhile, will open the season at home with Bryce Young leading the offense. The former No. 1 overall pick is entering another important season as the Panthers continue to build around their young quarterback.
The matchup between Young and Williams adds another layer to the game. Both quarterbacks were selected first overall and remain connected by the blockbuster trade that allowed Carolina to move up and select Young in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Chicago's defense will be one of the major storylines. The Bears established a reputation for creating turnovers last season, although the unit also allowed significant yardage. Carolina will look for opportunities to exploit those weaknesses while keeping the game close.
The Panthers will also have running back Jonathon Brooks available after he was cleared to play following an injury. However, outside linebacker Patrick Jones II has been ruled out for the opener with a back injury.
For Carolina, establishing the running game and protecting Young will be crucial. For Chicago, the goal will be to pressure the Panthers' quarterback, create turnovers and allow Williams and the offense to control the game.
The matchup brings together two teams at different points of their recent trajectories. Chicago enters after winning its division and a playoff game, while Carolina has the opportunity to make an early statement at home in the opening week of the 2026 season.
Game information
Game: Chicago Bears vs Carolina Panthers
Week: NFL Week 1, 2026
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
PT: 10:00 a.m.
CT: 12:00 p.m.
ET: 1:00 p.m.
Stadium: Bank of America Stadium
U.S. broadcast: FOX
Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers begin the 2026 season with plenty to prove. Chicago wants to build on its NFC North championship, while Carolina will look to use home-field advantage to start the new campaign with a statement win.