You can watch AFL in the USA in 2026 by signing up for WatchAFL, which offers all games live, on demand, or via Fox Sports channels.Â
If you’re a longtime AFL fan like me or just getting into Australian football, you’ll find everything you need to watch every game this season.
I’m going to show you every way to stream AFL games and compare the costs of each option. I’ll also provide you with easy setup steps, along with everything you need to watch AFL straight from America.
How to Watch AFL 2026 in the USA Online?
You can watch AFL in America through WatchAFL subscriptions, Fox Sports channels, or using VPN services with Australian streaming sites like 7plus and Kayo Sports.
Let me break down what each streaming option offers, what it costs, and how to set it up so you can pick the best one for your budget and how you like to watch.
| Platform | Subscription Plans | Coverage | Device Support | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WatchAFL | $28/wk, $229/year, $94(Only finale) | All AFL games, finals | Computer, phone, TV | Download games, 24/7 Fox Footy, old games |
| Fox Sports (US) | $19.99/mo-$39.99/mo | Some live games, finals | Cable box, TV, streaming apps | Fox Soccer Plus has most games, no replays |
| 7plus (+VPN) | Free | 3+ games per week, all finals | Web, phone, some TVs (need VPN) | Same as Australian TV, sometimes just the Grand Final |
| Kayo Sports (+VPN) | $25 Australian/mo, 7-day free trial | All weekly games, finals | Web, phone, Android TV, Fire TV (need VPN) | HD/4K streaming, replay games, works on many devices |
| Foxtel (+VPN) | $103 Australian/mo Sports package | Most Saturday games, extra shows | TV, phone apps (need VPN) | Special commentary and analysis show |
WatchAFL gives you the most games for international fans, and Fox Sports shows some games through regular cable packages.
How to Watch AFL in the USA in 2026 Online: Step-by-Step Instructions
Setting up AFL streaming in the USA is easy when you follow the required steps properly. Here’s how to start with the most popular choice:
Step 1: Go to watchafl.com.au and click on ‘subscriptions’ to look at the different subscription plans
Step 2: Pick the plan you want (weekly, finals pass, or yearly) based on how often you’ll watch.
Step 3: Make your account with an email and a password
Step 4: Put in your credit card info (any major card works)
Step 5: Sign up your devices and download the WatchAFL app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV
Tip: Download games to watch later offline, which is great when the time zones don’t work out.
The whole thing takes about 10 minutes, and you can start watching live games and old matches right away.
WatchAFL Subscription Plans
Here are the different subscription choices to help you pick what works best:
| Plan | Weekly | 12 Month Plan | Finale Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $28 | $299 | $94 |
| Access | All | All | Access to the finals series only |
| Devices Supported | All | All | All |
| Offline Downloads | Yes | Yes | No |
Every plan gives you the same options. All games, finals, Fox Footy channel, replays. Every AFL game, finals, the 24/7 Fox Footy channel, and all the old games you can watch.
The Finale Pass is a one-time purchase that grants access exclusively to the AFL Finals Series and Grand Final matches.
The weekly plan is good if you only want finals. The yearly subscription saves you the most money if you’re a serious fan who watches the whole season.
Watch AFL on Fox Sports Networks Setup
If you like watching through regular cable TV or streaming services, here’s how to get AFL through Fox Sports.
To watch AFL on Fox Sports, you need a US streaming or cable service that has Fox Soccer Plus, FS1, or FS2 as part of their channel lineup. Here’s what you can choose from:
Before getting a cable, check out the Advantages & Disadvantages of Cable TV to make an informed decision.
| Provider | Fox Soccer Plus | FS1/FS2 Coverage | Starting Price | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sling TV | Add-on package | Yes | $45.99 | None |
| DirecTV Stream | Included | Yes | $49.99 | 5 days |
| Fubo | Included | Yes | $84.99 | 7 Days |
| YouTube TV | Sports add-on | Yes | $82.99 | 30 days |
| Hulu Live TV | Sports add-on | Yes | $82.99 | 30 days |
Fox Soccer Plus usually shows the most AFL games on US networks, but you can only get it as an add-on with some providers.
Most of these, like Hulu TV offer a free trial, allowing you to decide if to purchase the plan or not. YouTube TV also offers a free trial of up to 21 days, and great first time signup discounts..
Lastly, read this guide on Fubo TV free trial and see if you can claim it and watch AFL for free!
Watch AFL: VPN-Based Streaming
If you really need a VPN, here’s how to use it step by step:
Setting Up VPN for AFL Streaming:
- Pick a good VPN service that has lots of Australian servers
- Download and install the VPN app on your devices
- Connect to an Australian server
- Make accounts on 7plus, Kayo Sports, or Foxtel while connected to the VPN
- Make use of free trials when available
- Set up payment (some sites might need Australian payment methods)
For payments on Australian sites, use digital gift cards or prepaid cards that are accepted internationally. Always read the rules before you start.
Here are the top VPN options to stream AFL:
| VPN | Speed to Australia | AU Servers (Cities) | Monthly Price | Annual Price | 2 Year Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Very fast | 7+ (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide) | $12.95 | $6.67/mo | $4.99/mo |
| Surfshark | Fast | 5 (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide) | Starts from $15.45 | Starts from $3.19/mo | Starts from $1.99 |
| CyberGhost | Good | Multiple major cities (200+ servers) | $12.99 | $6.99/mo | $2.19/mo |
| IPVanish | Moderate to fast | 5 major cities | Starts from $13.49 | Starts from $3.94/mo | Starts from $2.13 |
| Private Internet Access | Moderate | Australian servers available | $11.95 | $3.33/mo | $2.03/mo |
Note: CyberGhost VPN has a 6-month plan instead of an annual plan and on the purchase of 2 years, you get 2 months free.
Surfshark and CyberGhost offer more budget-friendly options with specialized streaming servers and large Australian server coverage.
IPVanish and PIA provide reliable mid-tier and affordable choices with Australian IPs suited for Kayo Sports and 7plus.
Private Internet Access offers a 3-year plan instead of a 2-year one.
All options support Apple TV apps and come with money-back guarantees or free trials, essential for testing streaming quality before committing.
Want to stream securely on your television? Check out the best VPNs for Smart TV in 2026.
Match Schedules and Broadcast Changes While Using VPN
The 2026 AFL season has big scheduling improvements for us international fans.Â
- You’ll see more Thursday night games that start at prime time in Australia, which means morning viewing for us in America.
- Super Saturday coverage on Fox Footy means you can watch several games one after another, perfect for weekend AFL marathons.
- Some games might still get blacked out in certain areas, especially during finals.
- But streaming on 7plus at the same time often gives you another way to watch when regular broadcasts are blocked.
I suggest checking the weekly schedule ahead of time to plan around any blackouts.
AFL Game Times in America
The current time difference between Sydney (Australia) and New York (USA) is 14 hours, and Sydney is ahead of New York.
Here’s a table to help you easily match AFL timings in Australia with standard time in the USA (Eastern Time, specifically New York).
| Sydney (AEST) | New York (EDT) | Time Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 noon | 10:00 pm (previous day) | Sydney +14 hours |
| 4:00 pm | 2:00 am (same day) | Sydney +14 hours |
| 7:00 pm | 5:00 am (same day) | Sydney +14 hours |
| 9:00 pm | 7:00 am (same day) | Sydney +14 hours |
- For any AFL game in Sydney: Subtract 14 hours to get New York time.
- When it’s daytime or evening in Sydney, it’s the previous night or early morning in New York.
How to Watch AFL in the USA in 2026 Free?
There are three ways you can watch AFL in the USA in 2026 for free:
- Free trials: Watch AFL and some streaming services offer free trial periods for new subscribers(If available).
- AFL official website: While it doesn’t stream live games, you can access highlights, news, and match updates for free
- Social media highlights: Follow AFL’s official YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook pages for free highlight reels and updates
Watching AFL in USA in 2026: Troubleshooting and Tips
Doing everything right, finding the best streaming, VPN, and managing timings perfectly, you don’t want your streaming to your favorite AFL games to be facing technical issues.
Here are common issues you might face when watching AFL and how to solve them:
- Buffering during live streams
Use a wired internet connection instead of WiFi for more stable streaming.
If you must use WiFi, move closer to your router and make sure no one else is using heavy internet applications like downloading movies or gaming.
- Poor video quality
Check your internet speed – you need at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K.
You can test your speed at speedtest.net. If your speed is good but quality is still poor, try lowering the video quality setting in your streaming app.
- Proxy errors when using VPNs
Try connecting to different VPN server locations. Also, clear your browser cache after connecting to the VPN.
Some streaming services actively block certain VPN servers, so switching to another server in the same country often fixes the issue.
- Login issues with streaming services
Clear your browser cache and cookies if you’re having login problems. Sometimes old login data conflicts with new sessions.
If that doesn’t work, try logging in from an incognito or private browser window.
General Tips for Better AFL Streaming:
- Update your streaming apps and devices regularly to avoid compatibility issues
- Close other internet-heavy applications while streaming to free up bandwidth
- Restart your streaming device if problems persist – sometimes a simple restart fixes technical glitches
How To Deal with Geo-Restrictions and Blackouts?
AFL content is often geo-blocked to protect broadcasting rights, which can cause viewing restrictions in the USA.
- Understanding the Restrictions
Broadcasters use geo-blocking to ensure they only show content in regions where they have the rights to do so. This is why some AFL content might not be available directly in the USA. - VPN Usage
While using a VPN is legal in the United States, bypassing geo-blocks may violate streaming services’ terms of service.
Important: I recommend sticking with official, legal viewing options like Watch AFL and Fox Sports to avoid potential account issues.
Additional Viewing Options and Resources to Watch AFL in the USA
Packed with your schedule and don’t have time to watch the entire match? Here are some ways to stay connected with AFL beyond live streaming:
AFL Official Resources
- AFL.com.au: Get live scores, news, match statistics, and video highlights
- AFL mobile app: Download for easy access to scores and news on your phone
- AFL social media: Follow their official accounts for real-time updates and community engagement
Community and Analysis
- Podcasts: Many AFL-focused podcasts provide insights and analysis perfect for American fans learning the game
- Reddit communities: Join r/AFL for discussions, questions, and fan interactions
- Facebook groups: Look for US-based AFL fan groups to connect with local supporters
- Radio streams: Some Australian radio stations offer live commentary online
These platforms engage fans with news, analysis, and interactive content, enriching the AFL experience beyond just watching games.
Beginner’s Guide to Watch AFL in the USA
If you have just found out about AFL or this season will be your first, then here’s how you can catch up and enjoy the matches:
- Understanding the Game
- Learn basic rules: AFL.com.au has excellent beginner resources explaining scoring, gameplay, and positions
- Watch rule explanation videos: YouTube has many good AFL rules explanations for newcomers
- Start watching key fixtures: Look for rivalry games like Collingwood vs Carlton or Adelaide vs Port Adelaide (The Showdown)
- Best AFL Matches To Watch for New Viewers
- Grand Final: The championship game is always exciting and showcases AFL at its best
- Finals series: Playoff games typically have the highest intensity and best atmosphere
- Friday night games: These are usually feature matches with top teams
- Building Your Knowledge
- Pick a team to follow: Following one team helps you learn players and understand storylines
- Join online communities: Ask questions in AFL forums and social media groups
- Watch with experienced fans: If you can find local AFL supporters, watching games together helps you learn faster
Note: Using a trusted VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN is safe for beginners streaming AFL in 2026. Avoid free VPNs for security reasons.
Also Read:
Conclusion: AFL 2026 Can Be Streamed Outside the USA Using 5 WaysÂ
Watch AFL’s official streaming service and Fox Sports channels are your best options for reliable, legal AFL coverage in the USA during 2026.Â
If you’re budget-conscious, try the free trial options first, then consider Fox Sports if you already have cable TV.
For new fans, don’t worry about understanding everything immediately. AFL is an exciting sport that becomes more enjoyable as you learn.
The 2026 season promises to be exceptional, and now you have all the tools you need to follow every moment.
FAQs
You can watch AFL in the USA through Fox Sports TV channels (Fox Soccer Plus, FS1, FS2), the official Watch AFL streaming service, or streaming platforms that carry Fox Sports content.
Free live AFL viewing in the USA is very limited. Some free options include trial periods from streaming services, highlights on AFL’s official website and social media, but full live coverage typically requires a paid subscription.
Fox Sports is the main broadcaster for AFL in the USA in 2026, with coverage on Fox Soccer Plus, Fox Sports 1, and Fox Sports 2.
Use the official Watch AFL international streaming platform, which is the official streaming partner of the AFL for fans living or traveling outside Australia.
You can watch AFL on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, desktop computers, and streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, and gaming consoles that support the streaming apps.
