At a Glance
- The 2026 Super Bowl will feature the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots.
- Both teams finished the regular season with a 14-3 record, earning top seeds in their conferences.
- The matchup echoes the 2015 Super Bowl XLIX, where the Patriots won 28-24.
Why it matters: The rematch pits two championship-winning teams against each other, offering fans a chance to see whether the Patriots can repeat or whether the Seahawks can finally claim their first title.
The 2026 Super Bowl brings a familiar rivalry back to the biggest stage in American football. Both the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots earned the top seed in their conferences with identical 14-3 records, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown that mirrors the 2015 clash that decided the league’s fate.
Road to the Super Bowl
Seattle’s journey to the championship began with a dominant regular season, finishing 14-3 and earning the NFC’s No. 1 seed. In the playoffs, the Seahawks defeated the No. 6 San Francisco 49ers and the No. 5 Los Angeles Rams, securing a spot in the Big Game.
New England also finished 14-3 and earned the AFC’s No. 1 seed after the Denver Broncos, also 14-3, claimed the top spot. The Patriots dispatched the No. 7 Los Angeles Chargers, No. 5 Houston Texans, and Denver in the AFC playoffs.
| Team | Seed | Regular-Season Record | Playoff Opponents | Playoff Scores |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seahawks | 1 | 14-3 | 49ers, Rams | 24-14, 28-10 |
| Patriots | 1 | 14-3 | Chargers, Texans, Broncos | 31-14, 24-13, 27-21 |
2015 Rematch Recap
The 2015 Super Bowl XLIX, played in Glendale, Arizona, remains the only previous meeting between the two franchises. The Patriots, led by Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, and Rob Gronkowski, defeated the Seahawks, who featured Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, and the “Legion of Boom.”
Brady’s performance was historic: 328 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions on 37 of 50 completions. Wilson threw for 247 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Lynch rushed for 102 yards on 24 carries, while the Seahawks defense forced two picks.
The game’s drama peaked on a second-and-goal at the one-yard line. Pete Carroll’s decision to pass to Ricardo Lockette was intercepted by rookie Malcolm Butler, sealing the Patriots’ 28-24 victory.
| Quarter | Score | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 0-0 | Both teams score 14 in 2nd quarter |
| 2nd | 14-14 | Seahawks lead 24-14 after third quarter |
| 3rd | 24-14 | Brady ties game, leads 28-24 |
| 4th | 28-24 | Butler interception ends Seahawks’ drive |
Key Players and Stats
The 2026 matchup features a roster of talent reminiscent of the 2015 showdown:
- Tom Brady – 328 yards, four touchdowns, two interceptions in 2015.
- Russell Wilson – 247 yards, two touchdowns, one interception.
- Marshawn Lynch – 102 rushing yards, one touchdown.
- Bobby Wagner and Jeremy Lane – key defensive plays.
- Malcolm Butler – rookie cornerback who made the game-deciding pick in 2015.
The teams also boast strong defenses, with the Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” and the Patriots’ secondary adding depth to the contest.
Where and How to Watch
The 2026 Super Bowl will be broadcast and streamed on NBC and Peacock. The venue is Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, the home of the 49ers, providing a familiar West Coast setting. The 2015 game was played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Fans can tune in on NBC for the live broadcast and stream the game on Peacock for mobile and online access. Tickets and additional viewing options will be announced by the league closer to the event date.
Historical Context
The 2015 victory gave the Patriots their fourth Lombardi Trophy, cementing Tom Brady’s legacy. The 2026 rematch offers a chance for the Seahawks to finally secure a championship after multiple playoff appearances.
The Lombardi Trophy, crafted from sterling silver by Tiffany & Co., has been awarded to the winning team since 1967. The 2026 ceremony will add another chapter to the trophy’s storied history.
Key Takeaways
- Both teams share a 14-3 record, setting a high bar for performance.
- The 2015 game’s pivotal interception by Malcolm Butler remains a defining moment.
- The 2026 Super Bowl will be held at Levi’s Stadium, streamed on Peacock, and broadcast on NBC.
- Fans will witness whether the Patriots can replicate their 2015 success or if the Seahawks will finally capture their first Lombardi Trophy.
The upcoming showdown promises to be a historic clash of championship teams, revisiting the drama of 2015 while forging new memories in the world of football.
