Indianapolis Colts v Washington Commanders NFL London 2026: Match Preview

The wait for NFL action in London is almost over, with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders preparing to get the 2026 London Games underway at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Indianapolis and Washington meet on Sunday 4th October, with kick-off at 2:30pm BST. It is the first of three consecutive NFL Sundays in the capital this October, before Eagles v Jaguars and Texans v Jaguars complete the 2026 London schedule.

With two famous franchises, some of the NFL’s biggest names and regular-season points on the line, the opening London fixture promises to provide an exciting start to another huge month of American football in the UK.

Colts looking to respond after difficult opening weeks

Indianapolis have endured a challenging start to the new NFL season, losing their opening two matches against the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.

The Colts were beaten 41-23 by Baltimore in Week 1 before producing a much more competitive performance against Kansas City. Indianapolis led three times during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium and took the Chiefs into overtime before eventually suffering a 33-30 defeat.

Running back Jonathan Taylor was a major threat against Kansas City, recording 92 rushing yards and two touchdowns from 24 carries. Quarterback Daniel Jones also completed 22 of his 31 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown as Indianapolis pushed the Chiefs until the closing moments of overtime.

The Colts face the Houston Texans on Sunday 27th September before travelling to London, giving Shane Steichen’s side one final opportunity to build momentum before taking to the field in North London.

Commanders preparing for London amid Jayden Daniels injury

Washington have also started the campaign with consecutive defeats, although their opening game against the Philadelphia Eagles was decided by just two points.

The Commanders were beaten 24-22 in Philadelphia before suffering a 37-20 defeat against NFC East rivals Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. Washington had produced 203 yards during the second quarter against Dallas before the game changed following an injury to quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Daniels dislocated his left elbow on the final play of the first half and Washington have not yet confirmed a timetable for his return. Marcus Mariota took over against Dallas and is set to lead the Commanders against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3 while Daniels remains sidelined.

His availability for the London fixture therefore remains a storyline to follow in the build-up to 4th October. Washington host reigning Super Bowl champions Seattle on Sunday before making the journey across the Atlantic.

Players to watch in Colts v Commanders

Jonathan Taylor remains one of the major attacking threats for Indianapolis and gives the Colts the ability to cause problems on the ground. His two-touchdown performance against Kansas City demonstrated his importance to an offence also featuring Jones, tight end Tyler Warren and wide receivers Josh Downs and Alec Pierce.

Indianapolis also strengthened their defence significantly ahead of the season, with Sauce Gardner joining a unit featuring DeForest Buckner, Laiatu Latu and Cam Bynum. The Colts will be looking for that defence to make an impact against a Washington offence facing uncertainty at quarterback.

For Washington, Terry McLaurin remains one of the team’s leading receiving threats, while the experience of Mariota could become particularly important if Daniels is unavailable in London. The Commanders will have further clarity over their quarterback situation as the fixture approaches.

Colts and Commanders return to London a decade later

There is an interesting historical connection between these two teams and the NFL’s relationship with London.

The Colts have played in London only once previously, facing the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in October 2016. Indianapolis were beaten 30-27 on that occasion and have since played international games in Frankfurt and Berlin.

Washington’s last London appearance also came in 2016. Their meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley finished in a remarkable 27-27 tie, meaning the Commanders will return to the capital almost exactly ten years after their previous regular-season game in London.

The two franchises last faced each other in October 2022, when Washington secured a narrow 17-16 victory at Lucas Oil Stadium. A late touchdown with just 22 seconds remaining completed the Commanders’ comeback on that occasion.

Colts v Commanders kick off NFL London 2026

Indianapolis Colts v Washington Commanders will open the 2026 NFL London Games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 4th October, with kick-off scheduled for 2:30pm BST.

The fixture begins a run of three consecutive NFL Sundays in the capital, with Eagles v Jaguars following at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 11th October before Texans v Jaguars brings the London series to a close at Wembley Stadium on 18th October.

Fans looking to attend the opening game can explore our Indianapolis Colts v Washington Commanders Hospitality Packages for current package details, prices and availability.

Colts v Commanders FAQs

When is Colts v Commanders in London?

Indianapolis Colts face Washington Commanders on Sunday 4th October 2026. The fixture forms part of Week 4 of the 2026 NFL regular season.

What time does Colts v Commanders kick off?

Colts v Commanders kicks off at 2:30pm BST. The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.

Is Colts v Commanders the first NFL London Game of 2026?

Yes. Colts v Commanders opens the 2026 London series on 4th October, before Eagles v Jaguars on 11th October and Texans v Jaguars on 18th October.

When did the Colts and Commanders last play each other?

Washington won the most recent meeting 17-16 in Indianapolis in October 2022. The Commanders scored the decisive touchdown with 22 seconds remaining.

Have the Colts and Commanders played in London before?

No. The 2026 meeting will be the first time the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders have faced each other in London. Both franchises have previously played regular-season games in the capital, with the Colts facing Jacksonville at Wembley Stadium in 2016 and Washington taking on Cincinnati at the same venue later that year.