The San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason on Thursday, August 20. The game will be broadcast locally in both teams’ home markets and streamed through NFL+ for eligible out-of-market viewers.
49ers vs. Chargers game details
- Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET
- Venue: SoFi Stadium
- Location: Inglewood, California
- Bay Area TV channel: KPIX CBS 5
- Los Angeles TV channel: CBS 2 Los Angeles
- Out-of-market streaming: NFL+
What channel is 49ers vs. Chargers on?
Viewers in the San Francisco Bay Area can watch the preseason matchup on KPIX CBS 5. In the Los Angeles television market, the game will air on CBS 2 Los Angeles.
Because preseason broadcast rights are often handled by each team’s local television partner, the game may not appear on the same channel nationwide. Fans should check their local listings shortly before kickoff.
How to stream 49ers vs. Chargers
Fans outside the 49ers and Chargers television markets can stream the game live with an NFL+ subscription. NFL+ carries live out-of-market preseason games across supported devices, although geographic blackout restrictions apply.
In-market streaming may also become available through the official 49ers or Chargers website and mobile app. Those options have not yet been confirmed for this matchup and are normally announced closer to game day.
Can I watch the game for free?
Fans with access to their local CBS affiliate through an over-the-air antenna can watch the game without a streaming subscription:
- KPIX CBS 5 in the Bay Area
- CBS 2 Los Angeles in Southern California
Availability depends on the viewer’s location and local broadcast coverage.
When do the 49ers play the Chargers?
The 49ers visit the Chargers on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Pacific, which is 10 p.m. Eastern.
The contest is the second preseason game for both teams. They are also scheduled to meet at SoFi Stadium during the regular season on Thursday, December 17.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch 49ers vs. Chargers?
Watch on KPIX CBS 5 in the Bay Area or CBS 2 Los Angeles in the Los Angeles market. Eligible out-of-market viewers can stream the game through NFL+.
What time does 49ers vs. Chargers start?
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT and 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
Is 49ers vs. Chargers available on NFL+?
Yes. NFL+ offers live out-of-market preseason games, subject to local and geographic blackout restrictions.
Where is the preseason game being played?
The game will take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.