At a Glance
- The 2026 Super Bowl pits the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots, a matchup that last occurred in 2015.
- Both teams entered the championship game with identical 14-3 records, earning the top seed in their respective conferences.
- New England secured the title in a 28-24 win over Seattle in 2015, a game remembered for Malcolm Butler’s pivotal interception.
- Why it matters: Fans will relive a historic rivalry and see whether the 2026 game can outshine the 2015 classic.
The 2026 Super Bowl brings a renewed showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, a pairing that first met for the Lombardi trophy in 2015. Both teams finished the regular season with a 14-3 record, securing the number one seed in the NFC and AFC respectively. Their journey through the playoffs, the 2015 game’s key moments, and how fans can watch the 2026 contest are all part of the story.
2026 Super Bowl Preview
The 2026 championship game will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, the home of the 49ers. The venue echoes the 2015 match, which was held in Glendale, Arizona. The two teams will face off after each has dominated their conference:
- Seattle Seahawks: 14-3 record, defeated the 49ers (No. 6) and Rams (No. 5) to claim the NFC’s top seed.
- New England Patriots: 14-3 record, beat the Chargers (No. 7), Texans (No. 5), and Broncos (No. 14-3) to earn the AFC’s top spot.
Both teams will bring star talent and a history of playoff success to the field.
Seahawks’ Road to the Championship
Seattle’s path to the 2026 Super Bowl was marked by decisive victories in the playoffs. After a regular-season 14-3 finish, they faced the 49ers in the Wild Card round, winning a tight contest. In the Divisional round, the Seahawks shut out the Rams, securing their spot in the NFC Championship game. A victory there set the stage for the championship matchup against the Patriots.
Patriots’ Road to the Championship
New England’s journey mirrored Seattle’s in many ways. They opened the playoffs against the Chargers, then defeated the Texans in the Divisional round. The AFC Championship game saw the Patriots overcome the Broncos, who had matched their record. The win propelled the Patriots to the championship game, where they would face the Seahawks for a second time.
2015 Super Bowl Recap
The first encounter between the Seahawks and Patriots in the championship game occurred in 2015, known as Super Bowl XLIX. The game was a high-stakes battle featuring:
- New England led by Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, and Rob Gronkowski.
- Seattle powered by Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, and the “Legion of Boom” defense.
Brady’s performance was dominant: 328 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions on 37 of 50 completions. Wilson, meanwhile, completed 12 of 21 passes for 247 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Lynch rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.
The game’s most memorable moment came in the final minute. With the Seahawks leading 24-14, they drove to New England’s one-yard line on a second-and-goal. Head coach Pete Carroll called for a quick slant to Ricardo Lockette, but rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler intercepted the ball, sealing the Patriots’ 28-24 victory.
How to Watch the 2026 Super Bowl
Fans can watch the 2026 Super Bowl on traditional broadcast and streaming platforms. The game will be available on NBC and Peacock, mirroring the 2015 broadcast. The Lombardi Trophy, crafted from sterling silver by Tiffany & Co., will be presented to the winning team.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Super Bowl revives a rivalry that first played out in 2015.
- Both teams finished the season with identical 14-3 records and earned the top seed in their conferences.
- The 2015 game was decided by a 28-24 win for New England, featuring a game-changing interception by Malcolm Butler.
- Viewers can stream the 2026 championship on NBC and Peacock.
- The trophy, a sterling silver masterpiece by Tiffany & Co., will crown the victors.
The upcoming game promises to be a clash of styles and a chance for the Patriots to reclaim a title and for the Seahawks to prove they can defend their championship.
