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The AFL season 2026 is all set to kick off on March 5 and will run until September 26, 2026, with 18 clubs battling it out across 23 home-and-away matches over 25 rounds.
2026 AFL Premiership Season marks a historic turning point with the official debut of the 10-team AFL finals series. This shift brings a Wildcard Round into play, where teams finishing 7th through 10th battle for the final spots in the traditional top-eight bracket.
You can watch AFL in Canada through free and premium services like 7Plus, Watch AFL, and TSN. However, 7Plus is only available in Australia to unblock geo-restrictions; must use a VPN.
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When & Where is the AFL 2026 Happening?
- Date: March 5 to September 26, 2026
- Opening Match: Sydney Swans vs. Carlton
- Venue: Multiple venues across Australia
- Total Teams: 18
- Streaming: 7Plus, Watch AFL, and TSN
How to Watch the AFL in Canada for Free
You can enjoy the Toyota AFL 2026 live on 7plus, Channel 7’s official free streaming service in Australia. Every AFL game that airs on Channel 7 or 7Mate is available on the platform, requiring just a free account.
However, Canadian fans will need a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and access 7plus outside Australia. Here’s how to watch the AFL in Canada for free:
Step 1: Subscribe to a good VPN service. (Surfshark is our #1 choice)
Step 2: Download the Surfshark VPN App and install it on your preferred device.
Step 3: Open the VPN app and connect to the Australian server.
Step 4: Open the 7Plus website and click on the profile icon.
Step 5: Select Register to create a free account or sign in if you have an account.
Step 6: Enter your details, and write the Australian postal code. (i.e., 3000, 4000, 5000)
Step 7: Verify your Email.
Step 8: Click on Sports in the top bar menu and select an Footy or AFL.
Step 9: Click on live/upcoming AFL match.
Step 10: Enjoy watching when the next game streams live!
Other Ways to Watch the AFL in Canada
Here are the top premium services to catch all the action and stay updated on the latest AFL 2026 coverage.
1. TSN
TSN remains Canada’s leading sports network, offering extensive coverage of the AFL 2026 across various channels, including TSN, TSN2, TSN3, and TSN5.
You can catch a live game with a tape delay for your convenience. Check the AFL schedule on TSN.
You can subscribe to TSN for $24.99/month or opt for an annual plan at $199.90 to enjoy full access to AFL coverage.
Read More: Watch TSN Outside Canada
2. Watch AFL Global
Watch AFL is a subscription-based service offering exclusive access to Australian Football League games for fans living worldwide.
For Canadian viewers, you can catch the entire AFL 2026 season with weekly (AUD 24), monthly (AUD 44), or annual (AUD 229) subscription.
How to Watch AFL in Canada on a Mobile Phone
Stream AFL in Canada on your mobile phone by using any free streaming websites or premium apps mentioned in this blog.
Follow the steps below to watch AFL 2026 in Canada on your mobile via TSN:
Step 1: Visit the TSN website on your phone browser and click on Sign in.
Step 2: Enter your Email Address.
Step 3: Create your Password.
Step 4: Enter the code sent to your Email.
Step 5: Choose the plan.
Step 6: Select the Payment method.
Step 7: Enter Your Payment Details.
Step 8: Select Live from the list and select AFL to watch the Final live.
Schedule of AFL 2026
Here is the schedule for upcoming AFL 2026 from Week 1 to 3 of 24. Timings are in Eastern Standard Time:
| Date | Match | Time (EST) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 of 24 | ||
| Thu March 5 | Sydney Swans vs Carlton | 3:30am |
| Fri March 6 | Gold Coast SUNS vs Geelong Cats | 4:05am |
| Sat March 7 | GWS GIANTS vs Hawthorn | 12:15am |
| Sat March 7 | Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs | 3:35am |
| Sun March 8 | St Kilda vs Collingwood | 3:20am |
| Thu March 12 | Carlton vs Richmond | 3:30am |
| Fri March 13 | Essendon vs Hawthorn | 3:40am |
| Fri March 13 | Western Bulldogs vs GWS GIANTS | 9:15pm |
| Sat March 14 | Geelong Cats vs Fremantle | 12:15am |
| Sat March 14 | Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions | 3:10am |
| Sat March 14 | Collingwood vs Adelaide Crows | 3:35am |
| Sat March 14 | North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide | 9:10pm |
| Sat March 14 | Melbourne vs St Kilda | 11:15pm |
| Sun March 15 | Gold Coast SUNS vs West Coast Eagles | 2:10am |
| Week 2 of 24 | ||
| Thu March 19 | Hawthorn vs Sydney Swans | 3:30am |
| Fri March 20 | Adelaide Crows vs Western Bulldogs | 3:40am |
| Fri March 20 | Richmond vs Gold Coast SUNS | 9:15pm |
| Sat March 21 | GWS GIANTS vs St Kilda | 12:15am |
| Sat March 21 | Fremantle vs Melbourne | 3:35am |
| Sat March 21 | Port Adelaide vs Essendon | 11:15pm |
| Sun March 22 | West Coast Eagles vs North Melbourne | 2:10am |
| Week 3 of 24 | ||
| Thu March 26 | Geelong Cats vs Adelaide Crows | 3:30am |
| Fri March 27 | Collingwood vs GWS GIANTS | 3:40am |
| Fri March 27 | St Kilda vs Brisbane Lions | 8:35pm |
| Sat March 28 | Fremantle vs Richmond | 12:15am |
| Sat March 28 | Essendon vs North Melbourne | 3:35am |
| Sat March 28 | Port Adelaide vs West Coast Eagles | 8:30pm |
| Sun March 29 | Carlton vs Melbourne | 11:15pm |
Prominent Players Participating in AFL 2026
From Brownlow favorites to breakout stars, here is the definitive 2026 AFL player watch list featuring the elite talents set to dominate the Premiership season.
- Nick Daicos (Collingwood) – Elite midfielder/forward and Brownlow Medal favourite.
- Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs) – Bulldogs star midfielder continuing top-level form.
- Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs) – Highly-rated young key position player.
- Noah Anderson (Gold Coast Suns) – Emerging midfielder making a big impact.
- Matt Rowell (Gold Coast Suns) – Brownlow Medal winner and elite talent.
- Zak Butters (Port Adelaide) – Influential midfielder driving his side’s engine room.
- Josh Rachele (Adelaide Crows) – Breakout forward threat in 2026.
- Nate Caddy (Essendon) – Rising star set to make a mark.
- Jagga Smith (Carlton) – Fresh talent expected to feature early in the season.
Other Live Sports to Watch in Canada
Here’s a list of live sports that you can watch in Canada with the help of a VPN:
FAQ – AFL
1. When does the AFL 2026 season start?
The AFL 2026 season officially began on Thursday, March 5, 2026, with the “Opening Round” match between the Sydney Swans and Carlton at the SCG.
2. How long does an AFL match last?
An AFL match consists of four 20-minute quarters, with stoppages extending each quarter to just over 30 minutes, totalling about 2.5 hours.
3. Which team won the AFL 2025?
Geelong Cats won the 2025 AFL Grand Final.
4. When is the 2026 AFL Grand Final?
The 2026 AFL Grand Final will be held on September 26, 2026, at the MCG.
Conclusion
The 2026 AFL season kicks off on March 5, 2026, with 18 teams battling. As the season brings a historic change to the competition, all eyes are on the grand final on September 26 to crown the champion among 10 final teams.
There are multiple ways to watch AFL in Canada, either stream it through premium streaming services like TSN, Watch AFL, or even free options like 7Plus.
Just make sure you have a VPN to access free services like 7Plus, as it is geo-restricted. Surfshark is our recommended choice.
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