How to watch NFL 2026 for FREE: Live Streams & TV Channels for Week 1

The 2026 NFL season runs from Wednesday, September 9 to Sunday, February 14. Free streaming options for Week 1 are available in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the US.

In the UK, the 5 channel will broadcast two matchups per gameweek on Sundays. Australia's free-to-air Seven Network and 7plus streaming service will air games on Thursdays and Sundays, including the highly-anticipated Melbourne Cricket Ground match between the 49ers and Rams on September 11. New Zealand's TVNZ 1, Duke, and TVNZ+ will show three matches per week, along with all playoff games and Super Bowl LXI.

In Ireland, Virgin Media will broadcast at least 22 games, including 18 Sunday games, three playoff games, and the Super Bowl. US viewers can watch all Thursday Night Football games, except in Week 1 and Thanksgiving, on Twitch.

To watch NFL 2026 streams from abroad, use a VPN like IPVanish, currently available for just $2.49 per month. Install the VPN, connect to a server in your home country, and access your usual streaming services.