Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals will open their 2026 NFL campaigns on Sunday, September 13, when Arizona travels to SoFi Stadium for a Week 1 matchup. The game will mark the first regular-season meeting between the two teams at SoFi Stadium.
When is Los Angeles Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals?
The game will be played on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Kickoff: 1:25 p.m. PT, 3:25 p.m. CT and 4:25 p.m. ET.
U.S. broadcast: CBS.
Where to watch Los Angeles Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals in the USA?
CBS will broadcast the matchup across the United States. Kevin Harlan will handle play-by-play, with Trent Green as the analyst and Melanie Collins reporting from the sideline.
The game is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET, 3:25 p.m. CT and 1:25 p.m. PT.
Los Angeles Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals preview
Los Angeles Chargers open the season at home looking to build on a playoff appearance in 2025. Jim Harbaugh enters another season in charge, with Justin Herbert once again leading the offense.
Herbert remains one of the central pieces of the Chargers' plans. His ability to make plays from the pocket and extend drives will be crucial against an Arizona defense looking to give its new coaching staff a strong start.
Arizona Cardinals begin a new era under head coach Mike LaFleur. The Cardinals made significant changes to their offensive structure during the offseason and will look for more consistency after a difficult 2025 campaign.
Kyler Murray will be one of the biggest storylines. His mobility and ability to create plays outside the pocket can challenge Los Angeles' defense, particularly if Arizona can establish enough balance to prevent the Chargers from consistently attacking him with pressure.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is another key player to watch. The wide receiver enters another season as one of Arizona's most important offensive weapons and will look to establish an early connection with Murray.
Los Angeles will rely on its pass rush and defensive playmakers to keep Murray contained. For Arizona, protecting its quarterback and producing consistently on the ground will be essential to keeping the game competitive.
The Chargers hold the historical advantage in the series, with an 11-5 regular-season record against the Cardinals and victories in five of the last seven meetings. The teams last met during the 2024 season, when Justin Herbert threw for 349 yards in a close Los Angeles victory.
This meeting will be the first regular-season matchup between the franchises at SoFi Stadium. Los Angeles will look to use home-field advantage to start the season with a win, while Arizona will try to open the Mike LaFleur era with an impressive road victory.
Game information
Game: Los Angeles Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals
Week: NFL Week 1, 2026
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
PT: 1:25 p.m.
CT: 3:25 p.m.
ET: 4:25 p.m.
Stadium: SoFi Stadium
U.S. broadcast: CBS
Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals enter Week 1 with plenty to prove. Justin Herbert leads a Chargers team looking to make another postseason push, while Kyler Murray and the Cardinals begin a new offensive era under Mike LaFleur. Their meeting at SoFi Stadium should provide an early test for both teams.