How to watch NFL preseason in 2026: streaming options for all NFL games

Key takeaways:

• The 2026 NFL preseason runs until August 29, with 48 games still to come after the Hall of Fame Game.
• All 49 preseason matchups are available free on DAZN in the UK and Australia, while US broadcasts are divided between NFL Network, ESPN, CBS, FOX, Prime Video, local channels, and streaming apps.
• To watch NFL games for free abroad, connect your VPN to your home region, the UK, or Australia where free streaming is available.

---

*Based on my tests, NordVPN is the best NFL VPN you can get for $3.49/month, and you can try it risk-free for 30 days. With thousands of servers in 224 locations and fast streaming speeds, it easily accessed my DAZN account while I was in the US.

---

The first full week of the 2026 NFL preseason begins on August 13, giving fans an early look at new coaches, rookies, and position battles. In the US, NFL coverage is spread across national networks, local broadcasters, and subscription services, while fans in the UK and Australia can watch available NFL games for free on DAZN.

DAZN content varies by region and uses your IP address to determine which streams are available. This can mean losing access to free NFL streams when traveling outside the UK or Australia. If you want to keep watching free NFL games while abroad, a VPN can secure your connection by connecting you to a location where the stream is available. For example, a UK or Canadian VPN server can provide access to available free NFL streams on DAZN, while a US server can help you securely access your usual US-based NFL streaming service when traveling.

In this guide, I’ll explain where to watch NFL preseason games, how to access free NFL streams on DAZN, what options are available in the US, and which VPNs are best suited for secure live NFL streaming.

⚠️It is legal to use a VPN with DAZN in most parts of the world, including the UK, US, Canada, and Europe. However, using a VPN may violate DAZN’s Terms of Service and could result in an error message or temporarily restricted streaming access. Always check the Terms of Service of your chosen NFL streaming service before using a VPN.

Where to watch NFL preseason games in 2026

Your best streaming service depends on whether you want every game or only nationally televised and local matchups. The UK and Australian DAZN streams place the full competition in one free account. In the US, no single standard TV channel carries the entire live schedule.

DAZN’s free UK and Australian coverage is the strongest choice for viewers who want the whole preseason rather than a particular local team. In the US, NFL Network carries the largest national selection, but blackout and out-of-market rules may affect which live feed appears in your location.

Best VPNs for NFL preseason streaming

The most important NFL VPN qualities are consistent streaming access, fast long-distance connections, servers in the UK and Australia, and apps for living-room devices. My top three choices for the 2026 preseason are NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN.

1. NordVPN – best overall VPN for NFL preseason streams
2. Surfshark – budget NFL VPN for unlimited devices
3. Proton VPN – privacy-focused alternative with a limited free tier

1. NordVPN – best VPN for watching NFL preseason 2026

NordVPN is my first choice for NFL preseason streaming because it combines excellent speeds with a broad selection of servers in all the relevant broadcast regions. Its NordLynx protocol is particularly useful for live sports, where unstable performance can quickly turn into buffering or a delayed feed.

The service works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, and compatible routers. Its SmartPlay technology is built into the apps and helps establish a suitable connection when a streaming platform uses location checks.

NordVPN is not permanently free. However, new eligible subscriptions purchased through the provider are protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Android users may also qualify for a three-day trial through Google Play.

2. Surfshark – affordable NFL VPN for every device

Surfshark is a practical alternative if you want one VPN subscription for phones, computers, TVs, and streaming sticks throughout the household. Its regular subscription allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you do not have to sign devices out before kickoff.

The provider has servers in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada and supports modern protocols suitable for HD sports streaming. Eligible new users can test Surfshark through its seven-day trial, while qualifying first purchases made through supported channels come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Proton VPN – secure option with a free plan

Proton VPN is a reputable privacy-focused provider and one of the few services offering a free plan without a fixed monthly data cap. Nevertheless, its free version is not a dependable solution for this particular event.

Proton VPN states that streaming support is included with paid plans. Free users also have restricted control over which country they connect through, so you may be unable to obtain the UK or Australian IP address needed for DAZN’s free preseason page.

The free plan is safe to try for general browsing, but I recommend Proton VPN Plus, NordVPN, or Surfshark when you need a specific country and cannot afford to miss kickoff.

How the free DAZN NFL preseason stream works

DAZN has made all 49 NFL preseason games free to registered viewers in the UK and Australia. This differs from the regular-season NFL Game Pass offering, so you should not assume the same free access will continue once the preseason ends.

The platform determines which version you see primarily through your IP address. A UK IP loads the UK service, while an Australian IP directs you to the Australian catalog. If your current IP belongs to another country, DAZN may display a different subscription page or omit the free NFL preseason stream.

A VPN routes your connection through a server in the country you select. For a UK-based DAZN account, choose the UK. For an Australian account, use Australia. The VPN does not create a DAZN account for you or remove any registration requirements.

How to watch NFL preseason in the US

US coverage is more fragmented than the free international DAZN option. NFL Network will show 19 live out-of-market games from August 13 through August 29. It will also carry replays of all 48 games played after the Hall of Fame matchup.

ESPN has one exclusive national game, Las Vegas Raiders at Houston Texans on August 20. ESPN Unlimited also adds 12 out-of-market preseason games through the ESPN app.

Selected games appear on CBS, FOX, and Prime Video, while local stations carry many matchups within the participating teams’ home markets. Depending on the games you want, you can access these channels through services such as Sling TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Paramount+, FOX One, or a regular TV package.

NFL+ is useful for fans watching on mobile devices because it includes live local and nationally televised games, subject to its device and location rules.

Can I watch NFL preseason without cable in the US?

Yes. NFL Network and the major national channels are available through several internet-based live-TV services. However, channel lineups vary by market. Check that a platform includes NFL Network and the relevant local CBS, FOX, NBC, or ABC affiliate before subscribing.

Free trials may reduce the cost if your chosen service currently offers one, but trial availability and duration can change. Do not register until you have confirmed that the required channel and game are available in your ZIP code.

How to watch NFL preseason on different devices

DAZN and the recommended VPNs support most mainstream streaming platforms, but the setup differs slightly by device.

Watch on Windows or Mac

1. Install the NordVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN desktop app
2. Connect to the country associated with your streaming account
3. Open a private browser window
4. Sign in to DAZN or your US streaming provider
5. Select the live game

Watch on Android, iPhone, or iPad

1. Download the VPN from the official app store
2. Allow the app to add a VPN configuration
3. Connect to a suitable UK, Australian, Canadian, or US server
4. Open the streaming app and log in
5. Start the NFL preseason stream

Watch on a smart TV or streaming stick

Install the VPN directly if your Android TV, Google TV, Apple TV, or Fire TV device supports the provider’s native app. Connect to the required location, force-close the streaming app, and reopen it.

Roku and some other platforms do not support standard VPN apps. In that case, you can configure the VPN on a compatible router or share a protected connection from a computer. Router setup protects every connected device but is more technical than installing a native app.

NFL preseason VPN not working: quick fixes

Streaming services routinely block IP addresses associated with VPN traffic. A failed connection does not necessarily mean the provider is incompatible. Work through these fixes before switching services:

1. Change servers: Disconnect and choose another server in the same country
2. Clear cookies: Remove DAZN or broadcaster cookies that contain an earlier location
3. Use private browsing: Open the website in an incognito or private window
4. Restart the app: Force-close the VPN and streaming apps, then reconnect
5. Disable device location: Turn off browser or app location permission where appropriate
6. Check for leaks: Confirm that your visible IP and DNS servers match the VPN country
7. Change protocols: Try NordLynx, WireGuard, or another fast protocol offered in the app
8. Contact support: Ask the VPN provider which server currently works with your streaming service

If video starts but buffers, choose a geographically closer server within the correct country, pause other downloads, and reduce the stream quality temporarily.

2026 NFL preseason schedule and TV channels

The Hall of Fame Game took place on August 6. The remaining schedule begins August 13. All times below are Eastern Time, and games without a listed national channel may still appear on local team broadcasters.

NFL preseason Week 1

NFL preseason Week 2

NFL preseason Week 3

Is it legal to watch NFL preseason with a VPN?

VPNs are legal in most countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. They are widely used to secure connections on public Wi-Fi and protect browsing data while traveling.

However, streaming services set their own terms and geographic licensing rules. Using a VPN to change the location a platform sees may conflict with those terms, even where VPN use itself is legal. The usual response is to block the VPN connection rather than punish the viewer, but access is never guaranteed.

You should use a VPN only with legitimate services and accounts. VPNpro does not recommend pirated streams or using a VPN for unlawful activity.

Can I watch NFL preseason with a free VPN?

A free VPN is unlikely to provide a consistent NFL preseason stream. Most free services impose speed limits, small data allowances, congested servers, or a short list of locations. Live HD football can consume several gigabytes in one game, making capped plans especially unsuitable.

Proton VPN Free does not impose a fixed monthly data cap, but it does not officially support streaming and does not give free users reliable control over the destination country. It is therefore not my first choice for accessing the free UK or Australian DAZN stream.

A better short-term option is to use NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee or Surfshark’s eligible trial and refund period. Read the provider’s current refund conditions before purchasing, as app-store and renewal payments may be treated differently.

Try NordVPN risk-free for the NFL preseason

Conclusion

The 2026 NFL preseason is unusually easy to watch in full if you have access to DAZN in the UK or Australia. Both regional services carry all 49 games free after account registration. By comparison, US viewers must combine NFL Network, ESPN, national streaming platforms, and local stations to follow the complete schedule live.

If you normally use UK or Australian DAZN and are traveling, NordVPN is my top option for accessing your regular preseason coverage. It offers fast servers in both countries, works across the main streaming devices, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for eligible first purchases.

Surfshark is the better-value choice for an unlimited number of household devices. Proton VPN is a secure provider, but its free plan is not designed for streaming and may not connect you to the country you need.

FAQ

Where can I watch NFL preseason games for free in 2026?

DAZN is streaming all 49 NFL preseason games free in the UK and Australia. You need to register an account, but no paid DAZN subscription is required for this preseason offer.

What channel is the NFL preseason on?

US games appear on NFL Network, ESPN, CBS, FOX, Prime Video, and local team broadcasters. ESPN Unlimited also has 12 out-of-market games, while NFL Network carries 19 live out-of-market matchups.

Does NFL Network show every preseason game live?

No. NFL Network shows 19 games live nationally or out of market. It provides replays of all 48 games played after the Hall of Fame Game, but not every matchup is carried live on the channel.

Can I watch NFL preseason on NFL+?

NFL+ includes live local and nationally televised games on supported mobile devices. The exact games available depend on your location and each matchup’s broadcast rights.

What is the best VPN for NFL preseason?

NordVPN is the best overall option for the 2026 NFL preseason because it has fast servers in the UK, Australia, Canada, and the US and supports popular streaming devices. Surfshark is a cheaper alternative for unlimited devices.

Will Proton VPN Free work with DAZN?

It is not guaranteed. Proton VPN’s free plan does not officially support streaming, and free users have limited control over server location. Proton VPN Plus or another premium VPN is more suitable when you need a specific DAZN region.

When does the 2026 NFL preseason end?

The preseason ends on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans.