College Football Playoff Announces Dates and Locations for Quarterfinals and Semifinals

The next two seasons' playoff games will be held at iconic bowl sites across the country.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:39pm

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The College Football Playoff has announced the dates and locations for the quarterfinal and semifinal games for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The quarterfinals will be played at the Fiesta Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Rose Bowl, while the semifinals will take place at the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl. The championship games will be held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in 2026 and the Superdome in New Orleans in 2027.

Why it matters

The announcement provides clarity and consistency for fans, teams, and organizers as the College Football Playoff expands to 12 teams. Maintaining competitive balance and maximizing the fan experience at iconic bowl game locations are key priorities for the CFP.

The details

The 2026 quarterfinals will be played on December 30 and January 1, with the semifinals on January 14 and 15. In 2027, the quarterfinals will be on December 31 and January 1, and the semifinals on January 13 and 14. Game times and TV coverage will be announced later.

  • The 2026 quarterfinals will be played on December 30 and January 1.
  • The 2026 semifinals will be played on January 14 and 15.
  • The 2027 quarterfinals will be played on December 31 and January 1.
  • The 2027 semifinals will be played on January 13 and 14.

The players

Rich Clark

CFP executive director who stated the dates allow for competitive balance, maximum fan experience, and consistency.

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What they’re saying

“These dates allow us to maintain competitive balance, maximize the fan experience, and provide consistency for everyone involved in the Playoff.”

— Rich Clark, CFP executive director

What’s next

Game times and television coverage for the quarterfinal and semifinal games will be announced at a later date.

The takeaway

The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format continues to evolve, with the announcement of iconic bowl game locations and consistent dates providing stability and excitement for fans and teams in the years ahead.