Super Bowl 2026 start time, kickoff, and who’s playing on Feb. 8

Super Bowl Sunday is coming up fast, and the key details are now set: Super Bowl 2026 (Super Bowl LX) will be played on Sunday, February 8, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. The matchup is the Seattle Seahawks vs. the New England Patriots, a rematch of their classic championship meeting a decade ago.

If you’re asking “is the Super Bowl today,” the answer on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 is no — it’s four days away.

Date, kickoff time, and location

Super Bowl LX will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. While the game is on the West Coast, the official kickoff time is listed in Eastern Time for national scheduling.

Here’s the quick reference:

Who is playing in the Super Bowl

The Seahawks represent the NFC, and the Patriots represent the AFC. Both teams earned their spots by winning their conference championship games in late January, locking in one of the most recognizable Super Bowl pairings of the modern era.

That “who is playing” question is the biggest reason searches spike in the week leading up to the game. At this point, there’s no “if” — the matchup is set: Seattle vs. New England.

What time does the Super Bowl start

When people ask “start time,” they usually mean one of two things:

• Kickoff (the ball is in the air): 6:30 p.m. ET

• When coverage begins: early afternoon (many broadcasts start hours before kickoff)

If you’re planning food, guests, or a watch party, build around a 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff, with the anthem and opening ceremonies shortly before that.

What channel is the Super Bowl on (and is it on CBS)

In the United States, the game will air on a single national broadcast network this year, with additional simulcasts and streaming options. If you’re specifically asking about a CBS channel: CBS is not the primary national broadcaster for Super Bowl 2026.

Because channel numbers vary by city and provider, the most reliable approach is to check your local listings for the national broadcast network carrying the game, plus the Spanish-language simulcast if you prefer that call.

Where to watch Super Bowl 2026

Viewing options generally fall into three buckets:

1. Traditional TV: national over-the-air broadcast (plus cable/satellite carriage)

2. Streaming: the broadcaster’s main streaming service (subscription may be required)

3. Mobile/connected devices: the league’s official streaming product (availability can vary by device and package)

If you’re hosting or traveling, it’s smart to confirm your setup ahead of time, especially if you’re relying on a streaming subscription or a device-specific app.

What to watch for on Super Bowl Sunday 2026

This matchup carries built-in narrative weight: Seattle vs. New England, high stakes, and a game environment that tends to tighten late. The practical things viewers care about most — beyond kickoff time and channel — usually boil down to three questions:

• How quickly each team starts: early turnovers or red-zone swings can define the whole night.

• Pass protection and pressure: Super Bowls often pivot on which line holds up in the fourth quarter.

• Game flow: if it’s close late, expect clock management and special teams to matter more than usual.

From here to Sunday night, the main changes are likely to be injury-status updates and final depth-chart decisions — not the headline logistics. The time, date, and matchup are already locked.

Sources consulted: NFL, NBC Sports, ESPN, Associated Press