Arizona Cardinals Face Panthers in 2026 Hall of Fame Game

The preseason matchup will feature Hall of Fame inductees Larry Fitzgerald and Luke Kuechly.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:24am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game between the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers, with the players' uniforms and equipment broken down into abstract shapes and colors.The 2026 Hall of Fame Game will celebrate the induction of Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald and Panthers star Luke Kuechly into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.Canton Today

The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers are set to face off in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, marking the preseason opener for the NFL's 107th season. The game will take place on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Why it matters

This matchup features two teams with strong ties to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026, as Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald and Carolina's Luke Kuechly are among the five enshrinees being honored that year. Both players spent their entire careers with the teams that drafted them and will be recognized during pregame activities two days before their official enshrinement ceremony.

The details

The Cardinals have been designated as the home team for the game and will be led by first-year head coach Mike LaFleur, who is making his preseason debut in Canton. Arizona's roster includes tight end Trey McBride, who set an NFL single-season record for receptions by a tight end in 2025, and safety Budda Baker, who earned his eighth Pro Bowl selection last season. Carolina is appearing in the Hall of Fame Game for the first time since the franchise's inception in 1995, and is led by 2025 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan.

  • The game will take place on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET.
  • The Hall of Fame Game traditionally kicks off the NFL preseason and is part of a week-long celebration that includes the Gold Jacket Ceremony and Dinner on Friday, August 7, the Grand Parade, and the enshrinement ceremony on Saturday, August 8.

The players

Larry Fitzgerald

An Arizona Cardinals wide receiver who spent his entire 18-year career with the team and is being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026.

Luke Kuechly

A Carolina Panthers linebacker who spent his entire 8-year career with the team and is being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026.

Mike LaFleur

The first-year head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, making his preseason debut in Canton.

Trey McBride

An Arizona Cardinals tight end who set an NFL single-season record for receptions by a tight end in 2025 with 126 catches.

Budda Baker

An Arizona Cardinals safety who earned his eighth Pro Bowl selection last season.

Tetairoa McMillan

The Carolina Panthers' 2025 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, who helped the team win a division title the previous season.

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What’s next

Tickets for the game went on sale March 9, 2026, following the official announcement by the Pro Football Hall of Fame on March 4. Fans attending Larry Fitzgerald's induction weekend can access exclusive experiences through Cardinals Premier Travel, which offers round-trip travel on the team's Boeing 777 aircraft, premium accommodations, and special access to events including the Hall of Fame tour and post-enshrinement reception.

The takeaway

The 2026 Hall of Fame Game will be a special event, not only for the matchup between the Cardinals and Panthers, but also for the opportunity to honor two all-time great players in Larry Fitzgerald and Luke Kuechly as they are inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.