NFL 2026 Opens With Patriots-Seahawks Rematch as Free Streams Spread Across Five Countries

Seattle enters as defending champion after head coach Mike Macdonald and quarterback Sam Darnold led the franchise to its second Vince Lombardi Trophy. The Seahawks did not win a preseason game, but TechRadar reported they begin the 2026 campaign with their major stars fit. New England, which lost Super Bowl LX, spent the summer preparing around Drake Maye and added three-time All-Pro receiver AJ Brown, while offensive lineman Will Campbell is also returning. TechRadar reported that Baltimore, Buffalo and Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City look like the strongest teams in the AFC, while the LA Rams, Philadelphia and Detroit are expected to contend in the NFC. The Las Vegas Raiders are hoping No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner, will change their fortunes.

The opening week includes the Super Bowl LX rematch on Wednesday. On Thursday, September 10, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, the country’s first regular-season NFL game, TechRadar reported. On Sunday, September 13, games include Bears versus Panthers, Buccaneers versus Bengals, Saints versus Lions, Bills versus Texans, Ravens versus Colts, Browns versus Jaguars, Falcons versus Steelers, Jets versus Titans, Cardinals versus Chargers, Dolphins versus Raiders, Packers versus Vikings, Commanders versus Eagles, and Cowboys versus Giants. On Monday, September 14, Broncos versus Chiefs completes the week. TechRadar highlighted Bills versus Texans, Cowboys versus Giants and Broncos versus Chiefs as standout games.

TechRadar reported that free options exist in several countries. In the UK, 5 will show two games each gameweek, both on Sunday, and stream them on its website and app. Australia’s Seven Network and 7plus will broadcast Thursday and Sunday games, playoffs and Super Bowl LXI, plus the 49ers-Rams game at the MCG. In New Zealand, TVNZ 1 and Duke will show three matches per week and TVNZ+ will stream them, along with all playoff games and Super Bowl LXI. Virgin Media in Ireland will broadcast at least 22 games, including 18 Sunday games, three playoff games and the Super Bowl, on TV and Virgin Media Play. In the US, all Thursday Night Football games except Week 1 and Thanksgiving will stream on Twitch.

For Patriots versus Seahawks, US viewers can watch on NBC and Peacock. TechRadar said Sling TV’s Blue Plan carries NBC in selected markets, starting at $45.99 a month, with 50 percent off the first month. Fubo Sports + News, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Peacock are other options, with trial offers. In the UK, the game is on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action, with Sky packages starting at £22 a month for existing subscribers and £35 for new customers, or through NOW Sports. In Australia, ESPN via Foxtel and Kayo Sports will carry it; Kayo starts at AU$30 per month after a 7-day free trial. In Canada, DAZN will show it starting at CA$24.99 a month, and TSN1, TSN3 and TSN4 will also air it, with TSN Plus at CA$29.99 a month.

TechRadar said travelers can use a VPN to access their usual streaming services from abroad, and it recommended IPVanish, which it said is available at $2.49 a month with up to 83 percent off. The report described the service as able to unblock 5, 7plus, TVNZ+, VM Play and other platforms. This detail appeared in both TechRadar articles, which were published on September 9, 2026.

Editor's Summary

The 2026 NFL season opens September 9 with a Super Bowl LX rematch between New England and Seattle, followed by an international game in Melbourne. TechRadar outlines free streams in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the US, plus paid TV and streaming options and VPN access for viewers abroad.