- How to Watch the NFL preseason for free with a VPN
- Where can I watch the 2026 NFL preseason?
- How to watch the NFL preseason for free from anywhere
- Best VPNs for watching the NFL preseason in 2026
- How to watch the NFL preseason in the US
- How to watch the NFL preseason in the UK
- How to watch the NFL preseason in Australia
- How to watch the NFL preseason in Canada
- Can I watch the NFL preseason for free with a VPN?
- What if my NFL stream does not work with a VPN?
- 2026 NFL preseason schedule
- Final thoughts: watch the NFL preseason online
- FAQ
- All 49 NFL preseason games are free on DAZN in the UK and Australia
- US coverage is available through NFL Network, ESPN, NBC, CBS, FOX, and streaming services
- NordVPN can help you access your usual NFL stream while traveling
- The 2026 NFL preseason concludes on August 29
The 2026 NFL preseason runs from August 6 through August 29, with 49 games taking place before the regular season begins. Fans in the UK and Australia can watch every preseason game for free on DAZN, while US coverage is spread across NFL Network, ESPN, NBC, CBS, FOX, Prime Video, and several streaming platforms.
If you’re traveling somewhere DAZN’s free coverage is unavailable, a VPN can help you securely access your usual streaming services. We recommend NordVPN because it offers fast US, UK, and Australian servers and reliably works with major sports streaming platforms.
How to Watch the NFL preseason for free with a VPN
- Get a reliable VPN: Claim the current NordVPN discount
- Install the VPN app: Download NordVPN on your preferred streaming device
- Connect to the UK: Select a fast UK VPN server
- Create a free DAZN account: No paid subscription is required for the preseason coverage
- Watch the NFL preseason: Open the live NFL stream and start watching
You can find a more detailed step-by-step guide further down in this article.
Where can I watch the 2026 NFL preseason?
The best streaming option depends on your location. DAZN offers the simplest solution in the UK and Australia because all 49 games are available with a free account.
| Country | NFL preseason broadcasters | Free option |
|---|---|---|
| United States | NFL Network, ESPN, NBC, CBS, FOX, Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, FOX One, ESPN Unlimited | Selected trials and local broadcasts |
| United Kingdom | DAZN | All 49 games free with an account |
| Australia | DAZN | All 49 games free with an account |
| Canada | DAZN and selected TSN channels | No confirmed full free option |
Streaming availability can change, and local restrictions may apply. Check the relevant service before kickoff.
How to watch the NFL preseason for free from anywhere
DAZN is showing all 49 NFL preseason games for free in the UK and Australia. You only need to register an account.
However, this free coverage may be unavailable when you travel to another country. Streaming platforms use your IP address to determine your location. A VPN replaces your current IP address with one from the server location you select.
Here is how to securely access your usual DAZN stream with a VPN while abroad:
Step 1. Choose a reliable streaming VPN
Select a VPN with servers in the country where your streaming account is based. We recommend NordVPN for the NFL preseason because it is fast, simple to use, and works well with popular streaming services.
Surfshark is an affordable alternative, particularly if you want to stream on multiple devices. Proton VPN also offers a free plan, but it does not officially support streaming and may not connect you to the required country.
Step 2. Download and install the VPN
Download the correct VPN app for your device. NordVPN and Surfshark support Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, smart TVs, streaming devices, and several compatible routers.
Log in using the account details you created when purchasing your subscription.
Step 3. Connect to a UK or Australian server
Open the VPN app and connect to a server in the United Kingdom or Australia. Choose the country associated with the DAZN version you normally use.
A nearby server within that country will generally provide the best streaming speed.
Step 4. Open DAZN
Visit DAZN or launch its app. Create a free account if you do not already have one, find the NFL preseason section, and select the game you want to watch.
If DAZN still displays the wrong regional version, clear your browser cookies, restart the app, or connect to another VPN server.
Pro tip:
Connect to the VPN before opening DAZN. This reduces the chance of the platform detecting your previous location.
Best VPNs for watching the NFL preseason in 2026
We recommend the following three VPNs for NFL streaming:
| NFL VPN | Best for | Free option | Refund period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. NordVPN | Best overall NFL streaming VPN | No standard desktop trial | 30 days |
| 2. Surfshark | NFL streaming on multiple devices | Seven-day trial on eligible plans | 30 days |
| 3. Proton VPN | Free basic VPN access to watch NFL | Free plan available | Depends on plan |
1. NordVPN – best VPN for NFL preseason streaming
NordVPN is our first choice for watching the NFL preseason while traveling. It has fast servers in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, making it suitable for accessing your existing regional NFL streams.
Its NordLynx protocol provides high speeds without sacrificing security. This is particularly useful for live sports, where a slow connection can cause buffering or reduce video quality.
NordVPN also supports computers, phones, tablets, Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, and compatible routers. One subscription can protect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
If NordVPN does not meet your needs, eligible first-time purchases are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Why we recommend NordVPN:
- Fast servers suitable for HD and 4K sports streams
- Servers in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada
- Works with numerous streaming platforms
- Apps for popular streaming devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Read our NordVPN review to learn more about its streaming, security, and privacy features.
2. Surfshark – affordable NFL streaming VPN for unlimited devices
Surfshark is a strong alternative for households that want to watch the preseason on several devices. Unlike most VPNs, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections with a regular paid subscription.
It has servers in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada and supports popular computers, mobile devices, smart TVs, and streaming sticks. Its modern protocols provide sufficient speeds for live HD streaming.
Surfshark offers a seven-day trial with eligible subscriptions and a 30-day money-back guarantee for qualifying first purchases.
Why choose Surfshark:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections after the trial
- Affordable long-term subscriptions
- Servers in important NFL streaming regions
- Apps for smart TVs and streaming devices
- Seven-day trial on eligible plans
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Read our Surfshark review for more information about its streaming performance.
3. Proton VPN – free NFL VPN option to try
Proton VPN is one of the few reputable providers offering a free plan without a fixed monthly data limit. However, there are important limitations.
Free users cannot freely select any country, and Proton VPN states that streaming support is reserved for paid plans. Therefore, the free version may not connect you to the UK or Australia and is not guaranteed to work with DAZN.
You can still try Proton VPN Free, but NordVPN or Surfshark is a more dependable option for a specific live NFL game.
Proton VPN Free limitations:
- Limited control over server location
- Streaming is not officially supported
- Free servers may be busier
- DAZN access is not guaranteed
Our Proton VPN review explains its streaming and privacy features in more detail.
How to watch the NFL preseason in the US
NFL preseason coverage in the United States is divided among local broadcasters, national TV networks, and streaming services.
NFL Network is showing 19 live out-of-market preseason games and will offer replays of all 48 games following the Hall of Fame Game. ESPN is also providing 12 additional out-of-market games through its Unlimited plan. The Raiders vs. Texans game on August 20 airs nationally on ESPN.
Other nationally televised games appear on NBC, CBS, FOX, Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, and FOX One. Games without a listed national broadcaster are generally available through participating teams’ local TV partners.
Possible streaming options include:
- NFL Network
- ESPN and ESPN Unlimited
- NFL+
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
- Fubo
- Hulu + Live TV
- Peacock
- Paramount+
- Prime Video
- FOX One
The exact selection depends on your location and subscription. NFL+ also provides live local and nationally televised games on supported mobile devices.
How to watch the NFL preseason in the UK
DAZN is streaming all 49 NFL preseason games free in the United Kingdom. You do not need a paid NFL Game Pass subscription for this preseason promotion, but you must register a DAZN account.
If you are temporarily outside the UK, connect to a UK VPN server before opening DAZN. NordVPN is our preferred option, while Surfshark provides a lower-cost alternative.
How to watch the NFL preseason in Australia
Australian viewers can also watch all 49 games for free on DAZN after creating an account.
Travelers can connect to an Australian VPN server to access their usual Australian DAZN account. For the best results, select the fastest available Australian server and connect before opening the DAZN app.
How to watch the NFL preseason in Canada
DAZN is showing all 49 NFL preseason games in Canada as part of its paid offering. Selected games are also available through TSN and TSN+.
Canadian subscribers traveling abroad can connect to a Canadian VPN server before opening their regular streaming service. You will still need a valid subscription.
Can I watch the NFL preseason for free with a VPN?
A VPN does not make a paid streaming platform free. However, it can help travelers access free coverage that is normally available in their home country.
DAZN’s free UK and Australian preseason coverage requires an account but no paid subscription. NordVPN and Surfshark are paid services, although eligible purchases include refund guarantees. Proton VPN has a free plan, but it is not designed for streaming and may not provide the required location.
Always follow the streaming service’s terms and applicable laws.
What if my NFL stream does not work with a VPN?
Try the following fixes:
- Disconnect and select another server in the same country
- Clear your browser cookies and cached data
- Open the stream in a private or incognito window
- Disable location permissions in your browser or device settings
- Restart the VPN and streaming apps
- Change from the streaming app to a browser, or vice versa
- Contact your VPN provider’s customer support
Avoid connecting to a distant server unless you need that specific country. Longer distances can increase latency and cause buffering.
2026 NFL preseason schedule
The times below are in Eastern Time. Local and regional channels may also carry games without a listed national broadcaster.
Week 1
Thursday, August 13
- 7:00 PM: Detroit Lions vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- 7:00 PM: Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL Network
- 7:30 PM: Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots
- 8:00 PM: Arizona Cardinals vs. Las Vegas Raiders, ESPN Unlimited
- 8:00 PM: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans
- 9:00 PM: Tennessee Titans vs. San Francisco 49ers, NFL Network
Friday, August 14
- 7:00 PM: Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons
- 7:00 PM: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Jets, NFL Network
- 7:00 PM: Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders
Saturday, August 15
- 1:00 PM: Carolina Panthers vs. Buffalo Bills
- 1:00 PM: Cleveland Browns vs. Chicago Bears, NFL Network
- 1:00 PM: Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants, ESPN Unlimited
- 4:00 PM: Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs, NFL Network
- 4:00 PM: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New Orleans Saints, ESPN Unlimited
- 7:00 PM: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens, ESPN Unlimited
- 8:00 PM: Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks, NFL Network
Week 2
Thursday, August 20
- 8:00 PM: Las Vegas Raiders vs. Houston Texans, ESPN and ESPN Unlimited
- 10:00 PM: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Chargers, NFL Network
Friday, August 21
- 7:00 PM: New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL Network
- 7:30 PM: Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, ESPN Unlimited
- 9:00 PM: Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos, NFL Network
Saturday, August 22
- 12:00 PM: Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions
- 1:00 PM: Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns, NFL Network
- 1:00 PM: Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts
- 1:00 PM: Baltimore Ravens vs. Minnesota Vikings, ESPN Unlimited
- 4:00 PM: New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams, ESPN Unlimited
- 4:00 PM: New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins, NFL Network
- 7:00 PM: Chicago Bears vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- 7:00 PM: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots, NFL Network
- 7:30 PM: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ESPN Unlimited
- 10:00 PM: Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals, NFL Network
Sunday, August 23
- 8:00 PM: Seattle Seahawks vs. Tennessee Titans, FOX and FOX One
Week 3
Thursday, August 27
- 7:00 PM: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Buffalo Bills, NFL Network
- 8:00 PM: New England Patriots vs. Cleveland Browns, Prime Video
- 8:00 PM: San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders, ESPN Unlimited
- 10:00 PM: Los Angeles Rams vs. Los Angeles Chargers, NFL Network
Friday, August 28
- 6:00 PM: Washington Commanders vs. Baltimore Ravens, NFL Network
- 7:00 PM: Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins
- 7:00 PM: Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers
- 7:30 PM: New York Giants vs. New York Jets
- 7:30 PM: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- 8:00 PM: New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys, ESPN Unlimited
- 8:00 PM: Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs, ESPN Unlimited
- 8:00 PM: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles, CBS and Paramount+
- 9:00 PM: Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos, NFL Network
Saturday, August 29
- 1:00 PM: Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts, NFL Network
- 6:00 PM: Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans, NFL Network
Final thoughts: watch the NFL preseason online
The easiest way to watch the entire 2026 NFL preseason for free is through DAZN in the UK or Australia. Both regional versions are showing all 49 games with a free account.
If you are traveling outside the region where you normally watch, a VPN can help you securely access your usual streaming account. NordVPN is our top recommendation because of its speed, large server network, and reliable streaming performance.
Surfshark is the best alternative for households with many devices. Proton VPN Free is worth trying if you cannot pay for a VPN, but its free servers do not officially support streaming and may not provide the location you need.
Related articles:
FAQ
Yes. DAZN is showing all 49 games free in the UK and Australia in 2026. You must create an account, but a paid DAZN subscription is not required for this promotion.
Coverage is divided among NFL Network, ESPN, NBC, CBS, FOX, Prime Video, and local team broadcasters. Streaming services include NFL+, ESPN Unlimited, Peacock, Paramount+, FOX One, and several live-TV platforms.
NFL Network is broadcasting 19 games live nationally or out of market. It also provides replays of all 48 games played after the Hall of Fame Game.
NFL+ provides live local and nationally televised games on supported mobile devices. Availability depends on your location and the game’s broadcast rights.
NordVPN is our top choice because of its fast servers, streaming compatibility, and apps for popular devices. Surfshark is a good budget alternative, especially for households with many devices.
You can try Proton VPN Free, but its free plan does not officially support streaming and offers limited control over server selection. A paid streaming VPN is more likely to provide a stable live stream.
