NFL preseason 2026 is underway, and fans have several ways to watch games in the US and Canada. The NFL preseason runs through August 29, with Week 1 taking place from August 13 to 16. However, there is no single free service showing every preseason matchup. In the US, games are split between NFL Network, local TV stations and streaming services, while NFL+ carries live out-of-market preseason games for subscribers. In Canada, NFL Game Pass is available through DAZN, with other selected games also carried by Canadian broadcasters.
For US viewers, the first thing to check is the game you want to watch. NFL Network is carrying selected preseason matchups, while other games are marked as local broadcasts on the NFL’s schedule. NFL + also lets subscribers stream live out-of-market preseason games on mobile devices and connected TVs.
Fans who want to watch without paying for a full streaming subscription can also look at free trials from live-TV services when available. An over-the-air antenna is another option for games shown by local broadcast stations. This can be useful if your main goal is watching your local team. Canada has a different setup. DAZN carries NFL Game Pass in the country, giving subscribers access to NFL games and related NFL content. Some games can also be available through other Canadian broadcasters, depending on the matchup and broadcast rights. So, if you are searching for a completely free NFL preseason stream, check the individual game first. A free option may be available for one matchup but not another.
