The 130th AFL season is underway with 18 clubs competing across 25 rounds from March 5 to September 26, 2026.
Whether you are watching from Australia or overseas, multiple streaming and broadcast options are available for every match of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
Gold Coast’s flying start, North Melbourne’s resurgence, and the removal of the centre bounce have already made this one of the most exciting AFL seasons in recent memory. Here is your complete guide to watching every game live, on demand, or offline.
How to Watch AFL 2026 Live in Australia
Australian viewers have four broadcast options covering every match of the 2026 season. Channel 7 and 7mate carry the free-to-air coverage, while Fox Footy on Foxtel provides every match live with in depth analysis.
| Platform | Coverage | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Channel 7 / 7mate | Selected matches live | Free to air TV |
| Fox Footy (Foxtel) | Every match live | Pay TV subscription |
| Kayo Sports | Every match live and on demand | Streaming (subscription) |
| 7plus | Selected matches live and on demand | Free streaming |
Kayo Sports is the most popular streaming option for Australian viewers. It offers every AFL match live and on demand, along with Fox Footy’s pre game and post game analysis shows. Additionally, Kayo supports multiple screens and allows you to switch between simultaneous matches during double header rounds.
Fox Footy on Foxtel provides the most comprehensive AFL coverage in Australia. Every match is broadcast live with dedicated pre game, half time, and post match analysis. Moreover, Fox Footy runs AFL content throughout the week including trade news, injury updates, and tactical breakdowns.
Channel 7 and 7mate carry the free to air coverage with selected matches each round. The Thursday night, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday afternoon fixtures are typically available on free to air.
How to Watch AFL 2026 Live Overseas: WatchAFL Streaming Guide
Fans outside Australia can stream every AFL match through WatchAFL, the official international streaming partner of the AFL. The platform provides full coverage of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season including Finals and the Grand Final.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | WatchAFL (official international streaming) |
| Coverage | Every match live and on demand |
| Devices | Mobile, tablet, computer, TV (Airplay/Chromecast) |
| Subscription Options | Weekly, monthly, annual, and Finals passes |
| Offline Viewing | Download matches to watch without internet |
| Hide Scores | Spoiler free on demand viewing |
| Availability | All countries except Australia |
| Channel Access | Fox Footy channel included |
Watch AFL Key Features
- Live and on demand streaming: Watch every match of the Toyota AFL Premiership and Finals Series live or catch up later
- Hide scores feature: If you cannot watch live due to time zones, the hide scores option lets you watch on demand without knowing the result
- Offline viewing: Download matches within the app and watch without internet while travelling
- Fox Footy access: Get in depth news, analysis, and weekly AFL shows through the Fox Footy channel
- Flexible subscriptions: Choose weekly, monthly, or annual plans depending on how long you are overseas. Finals passes are also available separately
How to Sign Up For WatchAFL
Step 1: Visit watchafl.com.au or download the WatchAFL app on your device.
Step 2: Create an account with your email address.
Step 3: Choose your subscription plan (weekly, monthly, or annual).
Step 4: Complete payment and start streaming immediately.
Step 5: Cast to your TV using Airplay or Chromecast for the big screen experience.
Note: Watch AFL is not available within Australia. An internet connection and compatible device are required. Data charges may apply depending on your provider.
AFL 2026 Broadcast Partners
| Partner | Type | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Channel 7 | Free to air TV | Australia |
| 7mate | Free to air TV | Australia |
| Fox Footy | Pay TV (Foxtel) | Australia |
| Kayo Sports | Streaming | Australia |
| 7plus | Free streaming | Australia |
| WatchAFL | Streaming | International (outside Australia) |
AFL 2026 Season Schedule: All 25 Rounds
Here is the complete round by round schedule for the 2026 AFL season.
Opening Round (March 5 to 8)
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 5, Thursday | Sydney vs Carlton | SCG |
| March 6, Friday | Gold Coast vs Geelong | People First Stadium |
| March 7, Saturday | GWS vs Hawthorn | Engie Stadium |
| March 7, Saturday | Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs | The Gabba |
| March 8, Sunday | St Kilda vs Collingwood | MCG |
Bye: Adelaide, Essendon, Fremantle, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Richmond, West Coast
Round 1 (March 12 to 15)
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 12, Thursday | Carlton vs Richmond | MCG |
| March 13, Friday | Essendon vs Hawthorn | MCG |
| March 14, Saturday | Western Bulldogs vs GWS | Marvel Stadium |
| March 14, Saturday | Geelong vs Fremantle | GMHBA Stadium |
| March 14, Saturday | Sydney vs Brisbane Lions | SCG |
| March 14, Saturday | Collingwood vs Adelaide | MCG |
| March 15, Sunday | North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide | Marvel Stadium |
| March 15, Sunday | Melbourne vs St Kilda | MCG |
| March 15, Sunday | Gold Coast vs West Coast | People First Stadium |
Round 2 (March 19 to 22)
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 19, Thursday | Hawthorn vs Sydney | MCG |
| March 20, Friday | Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs | Adelaide Oval |
| March 21, Saturday | Richmond vs Gold Coast | MCG |
| March 21, Saturday | GWS vs St Kilda | Engie Stadium |
| March 21, Saturday | Fremantle vs Melbourne | Optus Stadium |
| March 22, Sunday | Port Adelaide vs Essendon | Adelaide Oval |
| March 22, Sunday | West Coast vs North Melbourne | Optus Stadium |
Bye: Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Collingwood, Geelong
Round 3 (March 26 to 29)
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 26, Thursday | Geelong vs Adelaide | GMHBA Stadium |
| March 27, Friday | Collingwood vs GWS | Marvel Stadium |
| March 28, Saturday | St Kilda vs Brisbane Lions | Marvel Stadium |
| March 28, Saturday | Fremantle vs Richmond | Optus Stadium |
| March 28, Saturday | Essendon vs North Melbourne | Marvel Stadium |
| March 29, Sunday | Port Adelaide vs West Coast | Adelaide Oval |
| March 29, Sunday | Carlton vs Melbourne | MCG |
Bye: Gold Coast, Hawthorn, Sydney, Western Bulldogs
Round 4 (April 2 to 6)
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| April 2, Thursday | Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood | The Gabba |
| April 3, Friday | North Melbourne vs Carlton | Marvel Stadium |
| April 3, Friday | Adelaide vs Fremantle | Adelaide Oval |
| April 4, Saturday | Richmond vs Port Adelaide | MCG |
| April 4, Saturday | West Coast vs Sydney | Optus Stadium |
| April 5, Sunday | Melbourne vs Gold Coast | MCG |
| April 5, Sunday | Western Bulldogs vs Essendon | Marvel Stadium |
| April 6, Monday | Hawthorn vs Geelong | MCG |
Bye: GWS, St Kilda
Round 5: Gather Round (April 9 to 12, Adelaide)
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| April 9, Thursday | Adelaide vs Carlton | Adelaide Oval |
| April 10, Friday | Collingwood vs Fremantle | Adelaide Oval |
| April 11, Saturday | North Melbourne vs Brisbane Lions | Barossa Park |
| April 11, Saturday | Essendon vs Melbourne | Adelaide Oval |
| April 11, Saturday | Sydney vs Gold Coast | Norwood Oval |
| April 11, Saturday | Hawthorn vs Western Bulldogs | Adelaide Oval |
| April 12, Sunday | Geelong vs West Coast | Norwood Oval |
| April 12, Sunday | GWS vs Richmond | Barossa Park |
| April 12, Sunday | Port Adelaide vs St Kilda | Adelaide Oval |
Round 6 (April 16 to 19)
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| April 16, Thursday | Carlton vs Collingwood | MCG |
| April 17, Friday | Geelong vs Western Bulldogs | GMHBA Stadium |
| April 17, Friday | Sydney vs GWS | SCG |
| April 18, Saturday | Gold Coast vs Essendon | People First Stadium |
| April 18, Saturday | Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide | Marvel Stadium |
| April 18, Saturday | Adelaide vs St Kilda | Adelaide Oval |
| April 19, Sunday | North Melbourne vs Richmond | Marvel Stadium |
| April 19, Sunday | Melbourne vs Brisbane Lions | MCG |
| April 19, Sunday | West Coast vs Fremantle | Optus Stadium |
Round 7: Anzac Appeal Round (April 23 to 26)
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| April 23, Thursday | Western Bulldogs vs Sydney | Marvel Stadium |
| April 24, Friday | Richmond vs Melbourne | MCG |
| April 25, Saturday | Hawthorn vs Gold Coast | UTas Stadium |
| April 25, Saturday | Essendon vs Collingwood | MCG |
| April 25, Saturday | Port Adelaide vs Geelong | Adelaide Oval |
| April 25, Saturday | Fremantle vs Carlton | Optus Stadium |
| April 26, Sunday | St Kilda vs West Coast | Marvel Stadium |
| April 26, Sunday | Brisbane Lions vs Adelaide | The Gabba |
| April 26, Sunday | GWS vs North Melbourne | Corroboree Group Oval |
Rounds 8 to 24 (April 30 to August 23)
The season continues through Rounds 8 to 24 with matches across all 18 clubs. Key fixtures include the Showdown (Adelaide vs Port Adelaide, Round 8), Queen’s Birthday (Round 13), and Gather Round. Specific dates and times for Rounds 16 to 24 are yet to be confirmed by the AFL.
Finals Series (August to September 26)
| Week | Format |
|---|---|
| Wildcard Round (NEW) | 7th vs 10th, 8th vs 9th |
| Qualifying Finals | 1st vs 4th, 2nd vs 3rd |
| Elimination Finals | 5th vs Wildcard Winner, 6th vs Wildcard Winner |
| Semi Finals | Losers QF vs Winners EF |
| Preliminary Finals | Winners QF vs Winners SF |
| Grand Final | September 26, MCG |
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Conclusion: Every AFL 2026 Match Available Live Wherever You Are
The 2026 AFL season runs from March 5 to September 26 with 25 rounds across 18 clubs. Australian viewers can watch through Channel 7, Fox Footy, and Kayo Sports.
International fans have full access through WatchAFL with live streaming, on-demand replays, offline downloads, and spoiler free viewing. The new wildcard finals system means the race for the top 10 stays alive deeper into the season than ever before.Â
Stream every match, follow every club, and do not miss a minute of what is shaping up to be one of the greatest AFL seasons in history.
